Military Operations Yield Major Success in Borno State
The Nigerian Army has achieved significant operational gains in Borno State, rescuing 74 National Youth Service Corps members and eliminating nine terrorists in coordinated operations. These successes come following fresh directives from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, who ordered troops to maintain relentless pressure on terrorist elements across the region.
Operation Desert Sanity IV Neutralizes Terrorist Threat
In a decisive engagement on November 12, 2025, troops of Sector 1, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, confronted Islamic State West Africa Province fighters at Yanaga Ari in Mafa Local Government Area. According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, the fierce encounter resulted in the neutralization of nine terrorists and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and other logistical supplies.
The operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity IV, demonstrated the Army's strong offensive capabilities and unwavering determination to degrade terrorist operations in the Northeast. Military officials confirmed that the COAS directive for sustained pressure is already producing tangible results in the ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
Dramatic Rescue of 74 Corps Members
In a separate incident that highlighted the Army's vigilance, troops of Sector 2 successfully rescued 74 NYSC members - comprising 36 males and 38 females - after Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters attempted to abduct them along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area.
The corps members were traveling to Hawul for a Christian evangelism mission when their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot during nighttime hours. Lieutenant Colonel Uba explained that CCTV monitoring detected unusual movement involving three buses, prompting the immediate dispatch of a patrol team that secured the safe rescue of all corps members.
One of the rescued corps members, who requested anonymity, expressed profound relief: "We were terrified. If the soldiers had not arrived when they did, we don't know what would have happened." The rescued NYSC members are currently being hosted at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Institute while arrangements are made for their onward transportation.
Military Leadership Commends Troops' Gallantry
The Military High Command has praised the involved troops for their exceptional bravery, vigilance, and swift response in both operations. Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated that the gallant troops have again demonstrated their dedication to protecting the nation, noting that their actions not only saved lives but also significantly weakened the enemy's operational capacity.
The Army has urged residents of the Northeast to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing counterterrorism operations. "We urge members of the public to furnish the Armed Forces with timely and reliable information. Together, we can eliminate terrorism and restore permanent peace," the Army spokesman emphasized.
These recent successes build on earlier military achievements, including precision airstrikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force against ISWAP terrorists and bandit hideouts across Borno, Kwara, and Katsina States on November 9, 2025, as part of Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
