In a decisive counter-operation, Nigerian military forces successfully repelled a major terrorist assault on a critical supply route in Borno State, while also achieving significant breakthroughs against kidnappers in the North Central region.
Coordinated Terrorist Ambush Thwarted in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) engaged and neutralized a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'adati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists along the vital Maiduguri to Damboa Main Supply Route (MSR). The incident occurred on Monday, December 22, at approximately 3:10 pm in the Damboa Local Government Area.
A military source disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that soldiers from the 25 Brigade, who were conducting a routine route dominance patrol and providing security for civilian movement, came under heavy fire. The terrorists employed a complex strategy involving multiple armed drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a classic ambush formation in an attempt to disrupt both military logistics and civilian traffic on the key road.
Reinforcements were swiftly mobilized from the Brigade Headquarters to the scene of the attack. This rapid response enabled the troops to effectively counter the assault, stabilize the situation, and ultimately dominate the area, denying the terrorists any further freedom of action.
Simultaneous Successes in North Central Operations
While securing the North East, the military also recorded victories under separate operations in the North Central zone. In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 5 Operation Enduring Peace, collaborating with local vigilante groups, apprehended two suspected kidnappers. The arrest was made during an intelligence-led operation at Pari and Rahama villages within the Kauru Local Government Area.
The situation in Plateau State saw a mix of tragedy and triumph. Troops from Sector 2 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) responded to a kidnapping incident in Panyam town, Mangu LGA, where one person was killed and another abducted. Efforts to rescue this victim are actively ongoing.
However, a major success was achieved in Bokkos Local Government Area. A swift military response forced kidnappers to abandon a Reverend and his three children, who had been abducted from a church premises in Makundang village. The victims were successfully rescued, given necessary debriefing, and have since been reunited with their relieved families. A manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers in the surrounding mountainous terrain continues.
Sustained Pressure on Criminal Elements Nationwide
The military source reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to maintain and intensify pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across all theatres of operation. The overarching goal remains the unwavering protection of lives and property throughout Nigeria.
These operations underscore the military's multifaceted approach, combining proactive patrols, intelligence-driven missions, and rapid response tactics to address security challenges in different regions simultaneously.
