Army kills 18 terrorists in Borno, recovers weapons

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, troops from Nigeria's Operation Hadin Kai have successfully eliminated 18 terrorists in Borno State, a region long plagued by insurgency. The coordinated assaults, conducted across the Timbuktu axis and Bulabulin Forest, also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and anti-aircraft machine guns, alongside various ammunition and materials for improvised explosive devices. This success highlights the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian military to restoring peace and security in the Northeast.

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On the Bulabulin Forest axis, troops of Sector 2 OPHK in conjunction with elements of Stabilisation Force of Sector 2 and the Civilian Joint Task Force cleared terrorist enclaves at Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Shuwari, as well as other areas contiguous to the Bulabulin Forest and the Kamadogu Yobe stretch.

The operation benefited immensely from the close coordination between ground forces and the Air Component Command of Operation Hadin Kai. Precision air interdiction strikes, guided by persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), were instrumental in targeting terrorist positions and pursuing fleeing elements. This synergistic approach overwhelmed the adversary, demonstrating the evolving capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces in combating asymmetric warfare.

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During the operation, supported by assault air platforms from the Air Component Command, the troops made contact at Malam Shiri Village and engaged the terrorists in a well-coordinated and tactical flanking manoeuvre, neutralising 11 terrorists and forcing others to flee with varying degrees of injuries.

From the perspective of The Punch, this development is a crucial update in the protracted fight against terrorism. While international coverage often focuses on the broader conflict, for Nigerians, these localized successes are vital indicators of progress. The recovery of weapons and the neutralization of fighters directly impact the security of communities in Borno and surrounding areas. It underscores the resilience and tactical discipline of our troops, who continue to operate under challenging conditions to protect the nation's territorial integrity and the lives of its citizens. This victory, though one among many in an ongoing campaign, provides a much-needed boost to national morale and reinforces the effectiveness of our security strategies.

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The troops with resilience and tactical discipline, maintained positions and decisively dealt with the terrorists. Subsequent exploitation revealed 7 neutralised terrorists, with additional blood trails and body parts indicating significantly higher enemy casualties during the assault.