Troops kill ‘24 Boko Haram, ISWAP fighters’ in Borno, Adamawa

The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 24 suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno and Adamawa.

A statement on Thursday by Reuben Kovangiya, acting deputy director of army public, said the suspected terrorists were killed between July 4 and 9.

He said the operations, which included ambushes, fighting patrols, and airstrikes, were supported by members of the civilian joint task force (CJTF) and local hunters.

Kovangiya said the operation led to several recoveries, including six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, motorcycles, and logistics supplies such as food and medical items.

“In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. They were subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of 3 terrorists,” the statement reads.

“Similarly, following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralizing another fighter.

“Troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga LGA. Consequently, 2 terrorists conveying logistics were eliminated.”

The statement also detailed other successful operations in Leno Kura, Madarari, and Sabsawa between July 5 and 7, where troops intercepted insurgents near internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and logistics routes.

“On 8 July, troops conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave. The troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, terrorists’ uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed,” the statement reads.

“Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrol at terrorists’ hideouts at Pambula village in Madagali LGA of Adamawa state. Contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists. The troops neutralized a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon.”

Kovangiya said the troops carried out a series of ambushes at Tangalanga, Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages, where nine suspected terrorists were killed and their life-supporting structures destroyed.

“On 9 July, troops conducted a clearance operation in JAS/ISWAP enclave at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa. After a heavy firefight, 3 insurgents were eliminated,” the statement added.

“Troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted ambush at Ngailda, Manjim and Wulle villages, where contact was made with the insurgents. Troops successfully eliminated 6 terrorists while others fled in disarray.

“The neutralisation of 24 insurgents with close air support underscores the determination, collaboration, and concerted efforts by the troops of OPHK, to ensure terrorists are placed on the back foot, thereby creating conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the North East region.”