Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised five terrorists and rescued three kidnapped civilians during a coordinated offensive in Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, took place in the early hours of Sunday at a known crossing point along the Sojiri axis.

In a statement issued via X on Sunday, the Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said, “During the encounter, five terrorists were neutralised without any casualty to own troops, underscoring the professionalism, precision, and combat effectiveness of the security forces.

“Additionally, the troops successfully rescued three civilians who had been abducted by the terrorists. Items recovered during the operation included AK-47 rifles and other sundry materials.”

He added the operation highlights OPHK’s continued commitment to aggressive offensive measures against terrorist elements while prioritising the protection of civilians.

Lt. Col. Uba also said that troops’ morale remains high, and security forces continue to dominate the operational environment across the North East, despite evolving security challenges.

Earlier on Sunday, PUNCH Online reported that Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army killed three bandits and arrested a suspected logistics supplier during fighting patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

Army kills three bandits, arrests supplier in Kogi

The operations were carried out on January 3, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.

“In the course of the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, ninety-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and eleven cartridges,

“During subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralised bandit, one AK 47 rifle and seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” said Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the Brigade Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations. (The PUNCH)