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Nigerian troops have killed at least 17 suspected terrorists during an ambush conducted in the early hours of today in Borno State, the military has said.
The operation took place in the early hours of December 21 as troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), working with local vigilantes, targeted suspected logistics movements by insurgent groups, according to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
Lieutenant Uba said, in a statement, that the troops acted on intelligence indicating that suspected Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements were moving supplies in the area.
He said the OPHK troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), supported by local hunters, were deployed to a designated interception point between Sojiri and Kayamla villages late on December 20.
“At approximately 2:24 a.m. on 21 December, suspected terrorists mounted on bicycles arrived at the location conveying logistics materials, confirming earlier intelligence reports,” Uba’s statement reads in part.
“The troops, positioned in concealed and coordinated formations, engaged the terrorists decisively.”
According to him, during the exchange, 17 suspected terrorists were neutralised, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered included several bicycles, assorted food items, drugs and medical supplies, detergents, clothing materials, torchlights, and other sundry logistics items, weapons of different calibres and ammunition.
“Following the successful engagement, the ambush team safely withdrew to its base location at approximately 4:20 a.m. Exploitation and follow-up are ongoing to further assess the area and deny insurgents freedom of movement.
“Troops remain in high morale, with fighting efficiency assessed as strong and unwavering. This operation underscores the continued effectiveness of intelligence-driven, joint security efforts in degrading terrorist networks and disrupting their sustainment capabilities.”
