Troops Neutralise 12 Terrorists in Borno as Military Sustains Counterinsurgency Push

By: Julian Osamoto

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have killed at least 12 suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during coordinated operations in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The offensive, guided by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms of the Air Component Command, enabled precision strikes and troop manoeuvres across terrorist hideouts in Tamsu Ngamdu, Dalakaleri, and Gaza — settlements notorious for insurgent activities.

According to military sources, troops recovered eight AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, and a cache of ammunition from the encounter. Drugs and medical supplies allegedly used by the insurgents were also seized.

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their resilience, describing the success as evidence of renewed vigour in the ongoing counterinsurgency campaign. Authorities urged the Theatre Command to sustain pressure on terrorist networks to further degrade their capacity and restore stability in the region.

Mafa, located about 60 kilometres from Maiduguri, has long been vulnerable to attacks, but security analysts say consistent ground and air operations are gradually constricting insurgent safe havens