Troops inflict major blow on terrorists during another deadly encounter, recover charms

Barely days after neutralizing more than 50 terrorists around the Katarko axis, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded another success, killing 10 additional insurgents and recovering arms, ammunition, and equipment in a fresh encounter along the Gamboru–Dikwa–Marte route in Borno State.

The terrorists were intercepted while attempting to infiltrate Gamboru Ngala from the Flatari axis, but their plan was foiled during a precise night raid by troops of Sector 1 from the 24 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

According to a statement released on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists, after suffering heavy losses, diverted toward Dikwa but ran into another ambush where more of them were neutralized along the Dikwa–Marte road.

“At approximately 23:50 hours on 25 October 2025, while manning a pre-established ambush position, the troops identified and engaged the hostile elements. The unit delivered heavy and accurate suppressive fire, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray.

“At first light, following a period of limited visibility, the area was systematically exploited. The subsequent clearance operation confirmed a total of 10 insurgents had been neutralized. A thorough search of the vicinity led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and equipment,” the statement said.

Items recovered from the scene included five AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, three locally made dane guns, two fabricated pistols, and five loaded AK-47 magazines. The troops also recovered a large quantity of linked 7.62mm ammunition, boxes of cartridges, two motorcycles, two bicycles, and a radio set. Personal belongings such as a dane gun barrel, water flask, raincoat, blanket, and several charms were also found.

The Military High Command praised the troops for their gallantry and tactical skill, noting that the successful ambush highlights the sustained momentum of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region. It reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace and stability in the North East.