By Bavoriat Clara
In a sustained push to dismantle terrorist strongholds and restore peace to Nigeria’s North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in synergy with the Air Component, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters, have intensified both offensive and logistics strangulation operations across key theatres of operation.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Major General Markus Kangye, the intensified operations, conducted between 15 and 22 July 2025, yielded significant outcomes that continue to weaken the operational capacity of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
According to him, on 15 July, troops of 114 Battalion intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics movement in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Items recovered included four motorcycles, cartons of soft drinks, two bags of cement, and various foodstuffs. The following day, seven suspects were arrested while attempting to convey a large cache of supplies believed to be meant for insurgents.
On 17 July, troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion on fighting patrol at Amuda and Chinene in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State engaged terrorists, neutralizing one, while others fled in disarray.
On 18 July, the 27 Task Force Brigade executed a successful night ambush along the Lambawa–Kalari road in Kaga LGA, killing one terrorist and recovering arms, ammunition, and spare parts. Similar operations between 18 and 22 July across Bama, Monguno, and Konduga disrupted multiple infiltration attempts and eliminated several enemy elements.
Further reinforcing efforts to dismantle the support structure of terrorist groups, troops intercepted smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in sacks along the Maiduguri–Mafa road. On 19 July, Mallam Aminu Idris was arrested at a checkpoint on the Kano–Maiduguri route while in possession of unauthorized Starlink communication equipment suspected to be intended for insurgents. That same day, Mr. Ali Abba, a known drug courier en route to Damasak, was arrested with large quantities of tramadol and diazepam.Operations also resulted in the recovery of small arms, ammunition, motorcycles, bicycles, IED-making components, and communication devices.
Also, on 20 July, troops discovered a cache of IED materials around Takaskala in Madagali LGA and, in a separate operation, foiled an attempted infiltration in Monguno, recovering RPG bombs and other combat-related items and on 21 July, 10 family members of terrorists surrendered to troops in Bama, citing their desire to escape from Gashua village in search of safety. Intelligence-led operations also led to the arrest of several informants and collaborators, including a 15-year-old boy suspected of spying for terrorist elements.
In one of the most significant interceptions, troops acting on credible intelligence on 22 July halted a logistics-laden truck headed to Gamboru from Maiduguri. The vehicle was found to contain 12V 220AH solar batteries, 200W solar panels, 2000W power inverters, inverter controllers, cables, gas carburetors, fridges, and assorted food items—indicating a major resupply effort by insurgents that was effectively thwarted.
The intensified and coordinated efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI have severely disrupted terrorist logistics chains and operational plans, reinforcing the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to securing the region.
The military commends the gallantry and professionalism of the troops and assures Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to achieve lasting peace and security.
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