By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled a terrorist ambush along the Miyanti–Banki Junction axis in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing three terrorists and recovering arms and an Improvised Explosive Device.
The troops also recorded the surrender of two suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Monguno, according to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI.
Goni said the ambush occurred at about 8:30am on September 1, 2026, when troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, while conducting operations along the Miyanti–Banki Junction Main Supply Route, came under attack initiated with an IED blast and followed by heavy gunfire.
He said the troops responded swiftly, fought through the ambush and immediately exploited the area.
“During the engagement, three terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition,” Goni said.
He added that another IED was recovered and secured during the exploitation.
Goni, however, disclosed that one soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was promptly evacuated for medical attention.
According to him, the injured soldier is stable and responding to treatment, while a gun truck sustained minor damage.
In a separate development, the military spokesman said two suspected ISWAP terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 3 in Monguno at about 8:20pm on September 1.
He said the two surrendered terrorists handed over two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Goni said troops also recovered four Android mobile phones, one button phone, earbuds, a power bank, ATM card, memory card, USB cable, two head warmers and a bag from the suspects.
He said preliminary investigation showed that the two men were allegedly part of a group of 10 terrorists who left an ISWAP camp at Arinna Chiki with the intention of surrendering to the troops.
However, according to him, the group reportedly encountered an ISWAP patrol while en route, resulting in an exchange of fire.
“The whereabouts of the remaining eight members of the group are currently unknown, and troops have intensified efforts to locate them and establish their status,” he said.
Goni said the two surrendered terrorists, recovered weapons and other items were in the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with extant procedures.
He said the developments reflected the increasing pressure being mounted on terrorist elements across the theatre as Operation HADIN KAI troops continue to disrupt terrorist operations and deny hostile elements freedom of action.
The military spokesman added that the ongoing operations were also aimed at encouraging terrorists willing to abandon violence to surrender and return to peaceful life.
Goni said the Theatre Command remained committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists who continued their campaign of violence while protecting communities, securing critical routes and consolidating efforts towards lasting peace and security across the theatre.
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