Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Joint Task Force North-East troops have neutralized nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered over N5 million ransom payment as a result of coordinated series of fighting patrols in Magumeri and Gajiram towns of Borno State.
The operation was carried out as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, a statement released on Saturday by Media Information Officer, Operation, Lieutenant Sani Uba stated. The troops began the attack on October 10, 2025, following credible intelligence on the activities of the movement of Boko Haram elements in Goni Dunari, Magumeri Local Government Area.p
Uba explained the terrorists, who were riding in two vehicles and escorted by 24 ground troops, had been attacking locals and setting houses ablaze when troops rapidly mobilized to cut them off. As the soldiers advanced, the insurgents attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Some managed to get away in their vehicles, but others on foot were pursued for nearly 92 kilometres.
“After some four hours of tactical chase, soldiers made contact with the escaping terrorists and opened fire in a frontal attack, engaging them in intense gunfire. Five of the terrorists were neutralised and the others fled in disorder, leaving blood trails,” Uba stated.
Items pulled out of the encounter were a single AK-47 gun (Reg No. 06798), five magazines (two loaded, three spent), 31 pieces of 7.62mm rounds, an Itel cell phone, and a dagger. Uba has not recorded any casualty or loss of equipment on behalf of OPHK troops.
In another operation on Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40 Gajiganna axis, cyclists troops pursued a group of Boko Haram terrorists along Zundur village, killing four of the terrorists while others ran into bushes to hide.
“Troops also successfully rescued two kidnap victims during the operation; Mr. Modu Kinnami, aged 55, and Mr. Bukar, aged 57, both from Guzamala Local Government Area. A sack containing N750,000 was also recovered,” the statement also added.
The preliminary investigations revealed that the terrorists demanded a ransom of N2 million and two new Tecno button phones in return for the release of a brother of one of the captives.
Recovered items include a blue pick-up truck (Reg No: GUB 327 XA), two brand new Tecno button phones, a full jerrycan of 30 litres of petrol, and a total sum of N4,355,000, summing up to more than N5 million recovered ransom funds.
Troops have increased activities in all the sectors to further put pressure on the insurgents and prevent their regrouping or free movement around the area, according to Lieutenant Uba.
