Soldiers recover N4.7m, phones, bicycles as terrorists flee along Maiduguri–Damboa road

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recovered ₦4.77 million, mobile phones, bicycles, and other items following a confrontation with suspected terrorists along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road in Borno State.

According to a report by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, sources said that the incident took place on October 18, 2025, when troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Molai spotted terrorists riding on two bicycles near Masta Fanameri during a routine patrol along the Main Supply Route (MSR) Maiduguri–Damboa.

According to the sources, the suspects abandoned their belongings and fled into the nearby bushes upon sighting the approaching troops.

“Items recovered during exploitation include two bicycles, six small lamps, two solar power units, six new Tecno phones with chargers but without SIM cards, bags of garri, and the sum of ₦4,770,000,” the sources stated.

After the encounter, troops launched a search-and-pursue operation but made no further contact with the fleeing insurgents.

Operation Hadin Kai forces, working with other security agencies, have continued to maintain aggressive operations under Operation Desert Sanity IV aimed at restricting terrorist movements and safeguarding vital supply routes in the North East.