By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised 10 ISWAP terrorists and recovered a cache of weapons and equipment in a successful night ambush along the Gamboru–Dikwa–Marte axis of Borno State.

The operation, according to the military, followed the neutralisation of over 50 insurgents in a previous encounter around the Katarko axis.

Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Maiduguri.

Uba said the troops of Sector 1, under 24 Task Force Brigade, executed a well-coordinated ambush that foiled a terrorist infiltration attempt from the Flatari axis into Gamboru Ngala.

He said after suffering heavy casualties, the insurgents diverted towards Dikwa but were intercepted again and neutralised in the Dikwa–Marte general area.

“At about 23:50 hours on Oct. 25, while manning a pre-established ambush position, the troops identified and engaged the hostile elements. The unit delivered heavy and accurate suppressive fire, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray,” he said.

He added that at first light, the troops conducted a systematic clearance of the area, confirming the neutralisation of 10 terrorists.

Recovered items from the encounter include five AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, three locally-made dane guns, two fabricated pistols, and five magazines loaded with 7.62mm special rounds.

Other items recovered were a large quantity of 7.62x54mm linked ammunition, boxes of cartridges, two motorcycles, two bicycles, a radio set, a dane gun barrel, a water flask, a raincoat, a blanket, and assorted charms.

Uba said the military high command commended the troops for their gallantry, vigilance, and tactical proficiency during the operation.

He said the successful ambush underscored the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts and reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at protecting civilians and restoring peace in the North-East region. (Zagazola)