In a significant blow to insurgent activities, troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated a large number of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State. The successful operation, which took place on Saturday, December 21, 2025, was executed by forces under Operation HADIN KAI.
Credible Intel Leads to Decisive Ambush
The military action was initiated following credible intelligence reports indicating the movement of over 100 terrorists. According to army sources, the insurgents had converged with the dual intent of launching coordinated attacks on vulnerable local communities and transporting crucial supplies to their forest strongholds.
Acting swiftly on this information, the troops, working in close collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, mobilized to intercept the terrorist convoy. The ambush was set in the areas of Sojiri and Kayamla communities within Borno State.
Fierce Firefight and Terrorist Neutralization
Contact with the terrorist column was established at approximately 1200 hours as the militants advanced. The troops engaged them in a fierce and sustained gun battle. During the intense encounter, the terrorists attempted a tactical rear-flanking maneuver against the soldiers.
This move was effectively thwarted as the troops responded with superior firepower, dominating the engagement from start to finish. A subsequent aggressive exploitation and clearance operation deep into the surrounding forest confirmed the neutralization of 21 terrorists. It is believed that several others managed to escape with serious gunshot wounds, and follow-on operations are ongoing to track them and assess further enemy casualties.
Significant Cache of Logistics and Weapons Recovered
The ambush yielded a substantial haul of items intended for terrorist sustenance and operations. The troops recovered a wide array of logistics, including:
- Multiple bicycles used for stealthy movement.
- Assorted food items, drugs, and medical supplies.
- Detergents, clothing materials, and bicycle tyres.
- Torchlights and other sundry items.
More critically, the operation led to the seizure of assorted weapons of different calibres and corresponding ammunition, significantly degrading the group's immediate operational capacity.
This successful operation stands in contrast to a recent tragic incident where a bomb-wearing terrorist killed five soldiers at a checkpoint in Pulka, Borno State, on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The recent ambush underscores the military's continued offensive posture, aligning with Defence Minister Christopher Musa's recent directive for soldiers to intensify bush operations against insurgents.
In a related development, Legit.ng also reported that troops of the 6 Brigade have destroyed multiple bandits' camps in Taraba State under Operation Zafin Wuta, neutralizing two armed men and recovering weapons, demonstrating a broader push against criminal networks across the region.
