Military operations conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Nigeria’s North East resulted in the neutralisation of over 30 terrorists and the safe return of more than 700 Nigerian refugees from neighbouring Cameroon within the past week, according to Defence Headquarters.
Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided the update during a briefing on national security operations. He attributed the successes to aggressive, intelligence-driven missions carried out jointly with air assets and local security groups against factions of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).
A significant engagement occurred on January 30 in the Timbuktu Triangle, specifically around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State. During clearance operations, troops killed more than 20 terrorists, including a notorious commander identified as Julaibib. Similar offensive actions were reported in Gwoza LGA, Borno, as well as in Hong and Mubi North LGAs of Adamawa State.
The operations further led to the arrest of kidnappers, the rescue of abductees, and the recovery of weapons and equipment. Notably, troops uncovered and destroyed three major terrorist detention facilities along the Damboa–Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. Each facility was capable of holding approximately 300 captives; the raid resulted in the rescue of 70 victims.
In a parallel humanitarian effort, the second batch of about 700 Nigerian refugees was successfully repatriated from Cameroon through the Banki border in Bama LGA, Borno State, with continuous security cover provided throughout the process.
Sustained operations across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa also targeted terrorist logistics networks, leading to arrests of suppliers and the seizure of arms and ammunition. Additionally, air interdiction missions destroyed five suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) along the Marguna road in Kaga LGA, Borno.
Gen. Onoja stated that these continuous offensives are systematically degrading terrorist capabilities and improving security conditions, thereby creating a safer environment for the voluntary resettlement of displaced persons in the North East region. The military reiterated its commitment to eliminating remaining threats and facilitating stable recovery in the conflict-affected areas.
