Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an attempt by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to extort residents in Yobe State, killing one insurgent and recovering weapons, ammunition and logistics items during a coordinated operation.
The Nigerian Army said the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the 27 Task Force Brigade, following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists travelling in two Volkswagen Golf vehicles and motorcycles to collect illegal levies from local communities.
According to the Nigerian Army, the troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to the Paya Kafiya axis on 19 July, where they intercepted the terrorists and engaged them in a firefight.
‘Troops foil Boko Haram extortion mission, k!ll terrorist in Yobe
According to the Army, one of the Volkswagen Golf vehicles was disabled during the exchange, while its driver was killed. Four other suspected terrorists abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds.
Follow-up clearance operations conducted on 20 July along the Paya Kafiya–Garin Gada axis led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle, 25 rounds of belted PKT ammunition, a loaded AK-47 magazine, 15 empty PKT ammunition cases, assorted drugs, including paracetamol and nicotine products, as well as mechanical tools believed to have supported the terrorists’ logistics operations.
The Army said the operation dealt another blow to Boko Haram/ISWAP’s logistics and illicit revenue networks, stressing that intelligence-led offensives would continue to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and access to funding.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the North-East in collaboration with other security agencies until lasting peace and stability are restored in the region.