Seven people suspected of being terrorists from Boko Haram and the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed by Nigerian Army troops participating in Operation Hadin Kai during separate operations in the Borno State regions of Rann and Damboa.
Counter insurgency expert Zagazola Makama wrote in a publication on Thursday that intelligence reports suggest the first encounter occurred on Wednesday when 3 Battalion soldiers, working with Hybrid Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), confronted terrorists trying to steal food supplies from a disabled vehicle on the Gamboru–Ngala Main Supply Route near Rann.
After the troops opened fire, six attackers were reportedly killed and two AK-47 weapons with magazines were recovered. There were two magazines, one holding six rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the other four rounds.
On the basis of credible intelligence, soldiers from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Molai conducted a separate operation in which they ambushed Komala hamlet on the Maiduguri–Damboa road in the Damboa Local Government Area.
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Several motorcycles and ingredients for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were allegedly meant for burial were recovered during this ambush, which was directed against terrorists heading towards Sambisa Forest. One insurgent was killed.
These operations were described as part of continuous efforts to clear the area and limit terrorist groups’ mobility within the operational theater by military sources.
View further images Makama posted from the operations below.
