Troops neutralize over 50 bandits in coordinated attacks across Borno, Yobe

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks across multiple locations in the Joint Operations Area in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025.

A military source in Maiduguri, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the assaults targeted troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, covering Sector 1 in Borno State and Sector 2 in Yobe State.

The source explained that insurgents were met with stiff resistance, as JTF forces engaged them using superior firepower. The operations resulted in the neutralisation of more than 50 terrorists across all affected locations.

He further disclosed that several weapons were recovered after the fierce encounters, including 38 AK-47 rifles, seven PKT machine guns, five RPG tubes, two GPMGs, and hand grenades. Troops also seized thousands of rounds of assorted ammunition, both belted and loose, of varying calibres.

The source added that the troops remain on high alert, maintaining aggressive patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent further attempts by the insurgents to regroup.

It was also gathered that over 70 of the wounded miscreants are still being pursued by ground troops supported by the Air Component in close coordination.

“The coordinated and simultaneous attacks by armed terrorists took place between midnight and 0400 hours.

“The terrorists launched coordinated assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, situated in Sector 1 (Borno State) and Sector 2 (Yobe State), respectively. In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy, decisive, and bloody blow.” The Source said.

He added that the coordinated offensive response was supported by air platforms of the Air Component Command of OPHK.

“The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by Theatre Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force.

“The combined ground and air efforts resulted in the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations. Troops also recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, 7 PKT machine guns, 5 RPG tubes, 2 GPMGs and hand grenades, along with thousands of assorted belted and loose rounds of different calibres.

“Additionally, over 70 of the wounded miscreants are still being pursued by ground troops supported by the Air Component in close coordination.

“Intelligence further revealed the terrorists who attacked Dikwa and Gajibo manoeuvred from the Cameroon axis, while those that attacked Katarko emerged from the Timbuktu Triangle, a known terrorist enclave.

“Some of the gallant troops were wounded in action but are in stable condition. Some vehicles and buildings were also gutted by fire from the terrorists’ armed drones and RPG fire during the battle, especially in Mafa and Dikwa, where a part of the defences was momentarily breached.” The Source further disclosed.

He noted that the Military High Command has commended the gallantry, doggedness and renewed charge of the troops. Their steadfast performance once again reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve and capacity to defend the nation’s territorial integrity against all threats, especially with the introduction of more boots and critical combat enablers into the theatre.