Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralized nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered about N5 million ransom money during a series of coordinated fighting patrols in Magumeri and Gajiram general areas of Borno State.

According to military sources, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area. The insurgents, reportedly moving in two vehicles and accompanied by 24 foot fighters, were seen setting houses ablaze and terrorizing locals before troops swiftly responded.

During the operation, troops advanced towards the terrorists’ location, forcing them to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters escaped in different directions, while the foot fighters were pursued for about 92 kilometers.

After about four hours of tactical pursuit, contact was established, leading to a fierce firefight that resulted in the neutralization of five terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops recovered the following items from the scene:

1 AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798)

5 magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded)

31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition

1 Itel mobile phone

1 dagger

The military confirmed that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by the troops during the engagement.

In a related development, troops operating along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis engaged another group of Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village. Riding on motorcycles, the troops opened fire on the terrorists, killing four and forcing others to flee into the surrounding bush.

During the encounter, troops rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55) and Mr. Bukar (57), both residents of Guzamala, and recovered a sack containing N750,000. Preliminary findings revealed that the terrorists had earlier demanded N2 million and two new Tecno button phones as ransom for the release of the captives’ brother.

Items recovered from the scene include:

1 blue pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA)

2 new Tecno button phones

1 jerrycan containing 30 litres of PMS

A total cash sum of N4,355,000

Combined, the patrols yielded the recovery of N5,105,000 in cash, believed to be ransom money collected from various victims.

Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining aggressive operations across all fronts in the North East to deny terrorists freedom of movement and safeguard local communities.