Troops kill 44 terrorists, destroy IED materials in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised 44 suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in several offensive operations across Borno State.

The operations also left scores of terrorists injured, while their vehicles, motorcycles and improvised explosive device materials were destroyed.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday morning.

Goni said, “Troops of OPHK have sustained their offensive against terrorist elements through coordinated intelligence-led operations across the theatre.”

According to him, on October 26, 2026, troops engaged suspected terrorists at separate locations in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, following intelligence reports and surveillance observations.

“Battle damage assessment indicated that 28 terrorists were neutralised, while six others reportedly sustained injuries,” he said.

Goni further noted that on October 28, 2026, the Maritime Component, Naval Base Lake Chad, deployed in Baga, conducted offensive operations against terrorist targets in the Lake Chad area.

“Preliminary assessments indicated that eight terrorists were neutralised, while 10 others reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he stated.

He added that an air interdiction mission separately disrupted a suspected terrorist improvised explosive device (IED)-laying operation, neutralising eight operatives and destroying their vehicle, motorcycles and IED materials.

“The operation prevented the terrorist team from proceeding with its planned activity.

“These successes reflect the sustained pressure being exerted on terrorist networks through intelligence-led joint operations,” Goni explained.

He noted that OPHK remained committed to degrading terrorist capabilities, restricting their freedom of action and protecting communities across the north-east.

The Theatre Command urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the theatre.

On Monday, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters during coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist locations in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad.

The operation was carried out following intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters in the area.(Punch)