By IDNN Security Bureau
At least 24 terrorists affiliated with Boko Haram and ISWAP have been killed in a coordinated five-day military operation across volatile locations in Borno and Adamawa States, the Nigerian Army confirmed on Wednesday.
The operation, spearheaded by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), marks one of the most successful recent offensives in the Northeast, according to Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Theatre Command, Maiduguri.
Supported by Nigerian Air Force assets, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives, and local hunters, the military carried out ambushes, clearance raids, and rapid response strikes from July 4 to July 9, dislodging insurgents and intercepting key supply lines.
“These operations are part of sustained efforts to keep pressure on insurgent strongholds and restore normalcy to affected communities,” Capt. Kovangiya said.
🔺 Multi-Layered Ambushes and Strategic Gains
The first breakthrough came on July 4 when troops ambushed terrorists biking from Sambisa Forest towards the Timbuktu Triangle, neutralising three. Similar hits followed near Komala, where motorcycles, pesticides, and food stockpiles were seized.
That night, troops launched a second ambush in Kawuri (Konduga LGA), killing two insurgents ferrying salt, detergents, and other logistics.
On July 5, forces intercepted gunmen trying to infiltrate the Madarari IDP Camp, killing one and seizing ammunition. Later that day, three more insurgents were gunned down during a firefight at Leno Kura.
On July 6, troops patrolled key crossing routes between Ngoshe-Gava and Ashigashiya-Amuda, killing one fighter and forcing others to flee.
On July 7, couriers attempting to smuggle supplies through Sabsawa village were intercepted—two killed, bicycles and critical supplies recovered.
🔥 Air Strikes and Ground Raids Devastate ISWAP Enclaves
The most impactful strike came on July 8, when ground troops and air support overran Bula Marwa, a fortified ISWAP-JAS hub. One insurgent was killed, key infrastructure was destroyed, and momentum continued in Pambula village (Madagali LGA, Adamawa) with another death and four motorcycles recovered.
On July 9, joint troops cleared camps in Tangalanga and again at Bula Marwa, killing three and recovering a cache that included six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Further ambushes in Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle yielded six more enemy fatalities.
Coordination, Intelligence, and Local Support Prove Critical
The Theatre Command praised the synergy between combat units, the Air Force, CJTF, and vigilante networks.
“The neutralisation of 24 terrorists underscores the determination and concerted efforts of OPHK to place insurgents on the back foot and create a secure environment for socio-economic recovery in the North East,” Capt. Kovangiya noted.
The Defence Headquarters has yet to release casualty details or updates on rescued hostages, but internal sources suggest further operations are underway around Kala Balge and Gwoza Axis.
As the dry season window begins to close, security watchers believe this offensive could become a critical turning point in degrading ISWAP’s territorial ambition in Nigeria’s Northeast.
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