The north east joint task force under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Wednesday, February 11, announced that its troops neutralized 16 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and rescued 11 kidnap victims during counter-insurgency operations in Borno state.
Troops of sector one engaged the terrorists on February 5th at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Auno and forced them to retreat after an exchange of gunfire.
The troops subsequently launched clearance operations on February 9th, along Komala axis in Konduga local government area, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The pursuit extended toward Gidan Kaji, where 16 ISWAP terrorists were neutralized while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered include over 20 bicycles alongside weapons and assorted logistics supplies.
On the same day, troops arrested ISWAP logistics couriers near Bukarti axis while they were transporting a large quantity of drugs intended for insurgents.
In a related development, troops thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Buratai-Kamuya road after detecting suspicious movement in the area.
The attackers abandoned their captives while fleeing into nearby bushes during a pursuit by troops.
Two victims, identified as Idris Adamu and Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai.
Troops also responded promptly to a distress call received along the Chibok-Damboa road on February 9th and secured the safe release of nine other abducted victims.
The Nigerian army reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive actions against insurgents while prioritising civilian protection and humanitarian support.
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