Troops kill more terrorists in Borno, clear 25 camps

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised unspecified number of Boko Haram and Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) fighters during a significant week-long offensive against terrorists in Borno State.

Intelligence sources reportedly told counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, yesterday, that the land and air offensives, which began on January 7, 2024, as part of Operation Desert Sanity III, also resulted in the clearance and destruction of over 25 terrorist camps in Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.

The sources reported that during one of the fierce offensives by the troops of 21 Armoured Brigade in Bama, they encountered terrorists in Ukuba, Sambisa, and engaged them with heavy firepower. As a result of the encounter, 11 ISWAP fighters were reportedly neutralised, which caused the remaining terrorists to flee. During the clash, one gun truck the terrorists loaded with ammunition exploded.

The troops recovered various weapons and equipment. Continuing the offensive operations deeper into Sambisa Forest, the troops cleared Garin Abu Umaru, New/Old Mjimia, Garin Munzo, Alafa 1 and Alafa 2 areas.

A suspected Amir of Garin Munzo and five other fighters were intercepted and neutralised, while newly established camps were discovered and destroyed.
The source highlighted the team’s bravery and commitment, which significantly contributed to the dislodgement of terrorists from numerous locations.

However, while en route to clear these locations, a patrol team triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) around 3.30p.m. near Alagarno. Fortunately, no casualty was recorded, but the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was damaged to the rear track.

In another encounter, the troops of the 159 Battalion and 199 Special Forces Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), cleared terrorist enclaves at Balar, Yaro Bulamari, Yaro Goni Krumidi, Yaro Lawanti and Yaro Umaradi. No contact with the enemy was made during this operation.

In Yobe State, the troops of 27 Task Force Brigade continued their advances and cleared the area of Gol. They discovered and safely detonated one IED. The terrorists fled the scene, abandoning 67 bags of assorted grains in an underground storage, along with ammunition.

Additionally, the troops ambushed and neutralised two ISWAP terrorists at Katarko along the road to Yobe State University (YSU) and recovered two AK-47 rifles.