Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded a major victory against BH/ISWAP insurgents, neutralizing 10 terrorists, including two high-ranking commanders, during a fierce encounter in the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis.
The success, achieved according to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA News, occurred under the auspices of Operation DESERT SANITY V. The statement noted that the insurgents had staged a sophisticated ambush using Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices and heavy gunfire.
”Troops under Sector 1 responded with superior firepower,” the statement noted, “neutralizing 10 terrorists including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.”
Following the encounter, a pursuit operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of weaponry and logistics, including:
- Three AK-47 rifles and one pump-action rifle.
- Two hand grenades and two Baofeng communication radios.
- Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) chargers, detonation cords, and IED accessories.
- Five motorcycles, bandoliers, and camel bags.
In a separate offensive near the Malkube area, Sector 1 troops neutralized an additional two terrorists. No casualties were recorded among the Nigerian personnel during this contact.
The Military High Command also reported that earlier that same day, a Battle Group from Sector 1 intercepted a BHT/ISWAP element attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from Cameroon near the Galakura axis. The insurgents were forced to “withdraw in disarray,” leaving behind equipment and two motorcycles.
”Troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, and operations would be sustained across the entire North East region,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated, adding that the Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to maintain the current operational tempo.
