Troops neutralize nine terrorists, recover ₦5 million ransom in Borno State

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized nine terrorists and recovered ₦5 million ransom money during a series of fighting patrols in the Magumeri and Gajiram areas of Borno State.

In a statement released on October 11, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), said troops also rescued two kidnapped victims, identified as Modu Kinnami and Bukar.

According to the victims, Boko Haram terrorists had demanded a ₦2 million ransom and two new button phones for the release of their abducted brother.

The statement explained that troops launched the operation following credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram fighters around Goni Dunari, Magumeri Local Government Area, on October 10, 2025.

“The terrorists, who were moving in two vehicles with 24 foot fighters, were seen burning houses and terrorizing locals. Acting swiftly, troops mounted an aggressive fighting patrol and successfully intercepted and neutralized the threat,” the statement added.

“As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.

“After about 4 hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists. A frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralization of 5 terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray. Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene.”

Items recovered from the engagement include: 1 x AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), 5 x Magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded), 31 x 7.62mm rounds, 1 x Itel mobile phone and 1 x Dagger.

Notably, no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by OPHK troops during the operation.

In a similar development along the Gajiram – Bolori – Mile 40 – Gajiganna axis, troops mounted on motorcycles, engaged Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village.

“During the firefight, 4 terrorists were neutralized, while others dispersed into surrounding bush. Troops also successfully rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Mr. Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala, along with a sack containing Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750,000).

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Boko Haram fighters had demanded a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) and 2 new Tecno button phones for the release of the captives brother.”

Troops recovered the following items from the terrorists: 1 x Blue pickup vehicle (Reg No: GUB 327 XA), 2 x New Tecno button phones, 1 x Jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a total sum of Four Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Naira (N4,355,000)

“Further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement,” the statement added.