Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded fresh operational gains against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters operating around the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains.
The latest success was achieved during Operation DESERT SANITY V, according to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
He said insurgents launched a coordinated attack on troops using roadside improvised explosive devices and heavy gunfire in an attempt to ambush security forces along the axis. The assault, however, was repelled by troops of Sector 1, who responded with sustained firepower.
During the encounter, ten insurgents were neutralised, including two identified senior commanders known as Basulhu and Ubaida.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba disclosed that troops pursued fleeing elements after the clash, leading to the recovery of several weapons and logistics. Items recovered included three AK-47 rifles, a pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, twelve AK-47 magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and other materials used for making improvised explosive devices.
In a related operation around the Malkube area, troops made further contact with insurgents, resulting in the neutralisation of two more fighters. Additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication equipment were recovered, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops.
Earlier the same day, another battle group intercepted Boko Haram and ISWAP elements attempting to cross into Nigeria from Cameroon through the Galakura axis. The insurgents were forced to retreat, abandoning logistics that included two motorcycles.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba noted that the recoveries have further constrained insurgent movement and operational capacity in the area. He added that morale among troops remains high, with offensive operations continuing across the North-East theatre.
According to him, the Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the current momentum in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
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