Nigerian Military Reports Significant Gains in North East Counter-Terrorism Ops
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has announced significant results from recent military operations in the North East, reporting the neutralisation of over 30 terrorists and the facilitated return of more than 700 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon within a single week. The updates were provided by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, who detailed a series of intelligence-driven offensives conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
The operations, which intensified across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, involved coordinated ground and air assaults targeting Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS) elements. According to Gen. Onoja, a major engagement occurred on January 30 in the Timbuktu Triangle, specifically around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area (LGA), Borno. Clearance operations there resulted in the neutralisation of more than 20 terrorists, including a commander identified as Julaibib.
A notable tactical achievement was the discovery and destruction of three large terrorist detention facilities along the Damboa–Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. Gen. Onoja stated each facility was capable of holding approximately 300 captives. During the raid, 70 victims were rescued. This action directly undermined the terrorist groups’ capability to hold large numbers of hostages.
In a parallel humanitarian effort, the military facilitated the repatriation of the second batch of about 700 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon. This group was successfully moved through the Banki border in Bama LGA, Borno, with full security escorts provided throughout the process.
Further operations across the region yielded additional results. In Gwoza LGA, Borno, and in Hong and Mubi North LGAs of Adamawa, troops conducted similar engagements, leading to more terrorist neutralisations. Sustained patrols and intelligence work in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa also resulted in the arrest of several logistics suppliers and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
Separately, air interdiction missions targeted suspected terrorist positions. In Kaga LGA, Borno, aerial strikes destroyed five suspected Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) along the Marguna road, preventing their potential use in attacks.
Gen. Onoja emphasised that the cumulative effect of these operations is the continued degradation of terrorist networks. The sustained offensive is creating improved security conditions, which is deemed critical for enabling the safe resettlement of displaced persons and fostering long-term stability in the conflict-affected North East region. The military confirmed that operations remain active across the theatre.
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