Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), working alongside local vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, have neutralised 17 suspected insurgents during a coordinated ambush in Borno State, dealing a significant blow to terrorist logistics operations in the North-East.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of Sunday, December 21, as part of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven military efforts to degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups operating in the region. The ambush targeted insurgents believed to be transporting supplies to support ongoing terror activities.
Military sources disclosed that the troops acted on credible intelligence indicating that suspected members of JAS/Boko Haram and ISWAP factions were moving logistics materials through a known route between Sojiri and Kayamla villages in Borno State.
Based on the intelligence, troops and vigilante elements were tactically deployed along the anticipated movement corridor late on Saturday night, December 20, maintaining concealed positions while awaiting the arrival of the insurgent logistics team.
At about 2:24 a.m., the suspects reportedly arrived at the ambush location, moving mostly on bicycles and conveying supplies intended for terrorist camps. The confirmation of their movement triggered a swift and coordinated engagement by the troops.
A brief but intense exchange of gunfire followed, during which 17 insurgents were neutralised, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes and uninhabited areas.
Following the engagement, troops conducted a sweep of the area and recovered several items linked to terrorist logistics, including bicycles, assorted food items, medical supplies, clothing materials, torchlights, detergents, bicycle tyres, weapons of different calibres, and ammunition.
The successful interception effectively disrupted a critical supply chain meant to sustain insurgent operations in remote locations, further weakening their ability to regroup, resupply, or launch coordinated attacks.
Military authorities confirmed that the ambush team withdrew safely to their base around 4:20 a.m., with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops and allied vigilante forces.
The Nigerian military described the operation as another testament to the effectiveness of joint operations and community collaboration, reiterating its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace and security across Borno State and the wider North-East region.


