By Babatunji Wusu
- Troops of Operation Hadin Kai repel IED ambush along Maiduguri–Kareto–Damasak highway.
- Scores of insurgents killed, weapons and ammunition recovered.
- Emir of Gwoza clarifies Saturday’s attack happened in Kirawa, Borno, not Nigeria’s troops.
- NAF offensive kills 592 terrorists, destroys 372 assets in eight months.
- CAS says upgraded fleet and precision strikes have crippled terrorist mobility and logistics.
An unspecified number of Boko Haram terrorists have been killed by troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), after a failed Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush along the Maiduguri–Kareto–Damasak federal highway in Borno State.
According to sources, the ambush targeted troops of the 145 Battalion Damasak from Sector 3, but the insurgents were swiftly outflanked after detonating the IED and opening fire. The troops’ counterattack neutralised several terrorists on the spot.
Recovered from the scene were one PKT automatic anti-aircraft machine gun, one AK-47 rifle, four rifle magazines, a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition, and two hand grenades.
Meanwhile, Emir of Gwoza, HRH Mohammed Timta, clarified that last Saturday’s attack took place in Kirawa, Borno State not involving Nigerian troops as earlier speculated, but Cameroonian soldiers under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). He said evidence showed houses and properties in Kirawa were destroyed, forcing residents to flee across the border into Kerawa, Cameroon.
In a separate development, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, revealed that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations in the past eight months have neutralised 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 enemy assets. The air component of Operation Hadin Kai executed 798 combat sorties, logging over 1,500 flight hours, and targeted 206 technical vehicles and 166 logistics hubs deep in hostile territory.
“From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF airpower has pounded terrorist strongholds with coordinated day-and-night operations,” Abubakar said during a visit to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
He noted that the offensive has been boosted by upgraded platforms including A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, Mi-171 helicopters, enhanced ISR capabilities, and an incoming Mi-35 gunship to provide close-air support.
Governor Zulum praised the NAF for its role in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities, stating that its operations have “saved countless lives” and enabled communities to begin rebuilding.
