***Recover AK-47 Rifles, Ammunition And IED As Troops Intensify Pressure Across Theatre
By Miriam Humbe
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded significant operational successes across Borno State, foiling a terrorist ambush along the Miyanti–Banki Junction axis in Bama Local Government Area.
Troops also neutralised 3 terrorists and recovered arms and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), while 2 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists surrendered to troops in Monguno.
Captain Mohammed Goni, the
Acting Military Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.
At about 8:30 AM on 1 September 2026, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, while conducting operations along the Main Supply Route (MSR) Miyanti–Banki Junction, encountered a terrorist ambush initiated with an IED blast and followed by heavy gunfire. The troops responded swiftly and decisively, fought through the ambush and immediately exploited the area.
During the engagement, 3 terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
An additional IED was also recovered and secured during the exploitation. Regrettably, one soldier sustained injuries and was promptly evacuated for medical attention.
He is currently stable and responding to treatment, while a gun truck sustained minor damage.
Meanwhile, at about 8:20 PM on the same day, 2 suspected ISWAP terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 3 in Monguno.
The surrendering terrorists handed over 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 magazines and 8 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Other items recovered from them include 4 Android mobile phones, one button phone, earbuds, a power bank, ATM card, memory card, USB cable, 2 head warmers and a bag.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the 2 surrendered terrorists were reportedly part of a group of 10 terrorists who left an ISWAP camp at Arinna Chiki with the intention of surrendering to troops.
However, while en route, the group reportedly encountered an ISWAP patrol, resulting in an exchange of fire.
The whereabouts of the remaining 8 members of the group are currently unknown, and troops have intensified efforts to locate them and establish their status.
The surrendered terrorists, recovered weapons and other items are currently in the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with extant procedures.
These developments underscore the mounting pressure on terrorist elements across the Theatre, as troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue to disrupt terrorist operations, deny freedom of action to hostile elements and encourage those willing to abandon violence to surrender and embrace the opportunity to return to peaceful life.
The Theatre Command remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against terrorists who choose to continue their campaign of violence, while protecting communities, securing critical routes and consolidating the restoration of lasting peace and security across the theatre of operations.
