MAIDUGURI: Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered about ₦5 million ransom money during coordinated counter-terrorism operations in the Magumeri and Gajiram areas of Borno State.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Northeast Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the troops also rescued two kidnapped victims Modu Kinnami and Bukar following intelligence-led patrols on October 10, 2025.
The rescued victims revealed that the terrorists had earlier demanded ₦2 million and two new button phones for the release of their brother.
In continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast, troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted a successful fighting patrol in response to credible intelligence on Boko Haram movement around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area,” the statement said.
The terrorists, reportedly travelling in two vehicles with 24 fighters on foot, were seen setting houses ablaze and terrorizing villagers before the troops intercepted them. The soldiers launched a fierce pursuit spanning about 92 kilometers, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire.
After about four hours of tactical pursuit, troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists and launched a frontal assault, neutralizing five insurgents, while others fled with gunshot wounds, the army added.
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), five magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, an Itel mobile phone, and a dagger. The operation ended with no casualties or equipment losses on the part of the troops.
In a similar operation along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis, troops on motorcycles engaged another group of Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village. Four terrorists were neutralized during the firefight, and the soldiers rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55) and Mr. Bukar (57), both from Guzamala.
A total of ₦4.35 million, two new Tecno button phones, and a blue pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA) were recovered, along with 30 litres of petrol (PMS).
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the recovered funds were part of a ₦2 million ransom payment the terrorists had demanded earlier.
Lt. Col. Uba noted that further operations are ongoing across all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the Northeast and called on citizens to continue sharing credible information to aid counter-insurgency efforts.