Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralized nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered over N5 million in ransom money during fighting patrols around Magumeri and Gajiram general areas of Borno State.
This is in continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, the Nigerian Army said in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Oct. 10, following credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area.
The troops responded swiftly after reports indicated that terrorists, moving in two vehicles and accompanied by 24 foot soldiers, were terrorizing residents and setting houses ablaze.
“Troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat. As they advanced, the terrorists attempted to escape towards Damjiyakiri village. While the vehicle-borne fighters fled to an unknown location, foot fighters were pursued for approximately 92 kilometres,” the statement said.
After a four-hour tactical pursuit, troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists and engaged them in a frontal assault, neutralizing five insurgents, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene include:
One AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798)
Five magazines (two loaded, three empty)
31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
One Itel mobile phone
One dagger
There were no casualties or equipment losses recorded by OPHK troops during the operation.
In a separate operation, troops patrolling the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis encountered Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village, where they neutralized four more terrorists.
The troops, mounted on motorcycles, rescued two kidnapped persons—Mr. Modu Kinnami (55) and Mr. Bukar (57)—both from Guzamala Local Government Area. They also recovered a sack containing N750,000.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the terrorists had earlier demanded a ransom of N2 million and two new Tecno button phones for the release of the captives’ brother,” the army said.
Other items recovered include:
One blue pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA)
Two new Tecno button phones
One jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
N4,355,000 in cash
This brings the total amount of ransom money recovered to N5,105,000.
The military assured that further operations are ongoing across all sectors to maintain pressure on terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.
