Major Military Operations in Borno State
Troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have achieved significant success in their ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Borno State. The military forces have rescued 86 civilians, primarily motorists and passengers who were abducted by members of Boko Haram/ISWAP along the Damatruru-Buratai-Biu road near Dutsen Kura.
In addition to the rescue operation, the troops also arrested 29 individuals suspected of being logistics suppliers for Boko Haram in the Mangana agricultural hub within the Biu local government area of Borno state. They also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during these operations.
According to a senior military officer who is not authorized to speak to the press, the incidents occurred on Sunday, 9th November 2025. During this time, 11 makeshift houses belonging to the terrorists were destroyed.
Key Details of the Rescue Operation
The troops from the 135 Special Forces Battalion, under Sector 2 OPHK, encountered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura on 9 November 2025. This was after discovering that terrorists were abducting civilians and vehicles along the Buratai-Kamuya Road.
The troops successfully thwarted the attack, pursued the terrorists towards Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter near a camp, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray.
A search of the area led to the discovery of 11 makeshift terrorist structures and the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims, which included men, women, and children.
The items recovered during this operation include:
- One AK-47 rifle
- Five magazines with 73 rounds
- Four PKT ammunition belts
- Five civilian vehicles
- Five motorcycles
- Eight bicycles
- Two logistics tricycles
The terrorists’ camp was destroyed in situ after clearance operations.
Additional Operations in Mangada
In a related operation, troops deployed at Mangada arrested 29 terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria. Several items were recovered during this operation, including:
- Two pickup vans
- A tricycle loaded with premium motor spirit
- About 1,000 litres of petrol in jerrycans
- Four gallons of engine oil
- Two new gun truck tyres
- A huge cache of medical consumables
- Large quantities of foodstuffs and provisions
All operations were conducted successfully without any casualties among the troops. The Military High Command commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops while charging Operation HADIN KAI to sustain operations to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North east theatre.