OPHK troops destroy five IEDs, intercept boko haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another major breakthrough against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, successfully detonating five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along the Biu-Buratai Road and disrupting a suspected terrorist logistics network.

The development comes barely 24 hours after troops reportedly neutralised scores of insurgents during a failed infiltration attempt at Dutsen Kura along the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi-Damaturu highway.

Confirming the operations in a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops had sustained offensive actions across the North-East theatre between June 16 and June 19, recording significant successes against terrorist elements operating in the region.

According to Goni, the first operation took place on June 16 when troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, in conjunction with the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), responded to intelligence provided by local residents regarding the emplacement of IEDs along the Biu-Buratai Road.

"Acting swiftly on the information, the troops conducted a fighting patrol to the affected area, where they identified and professionally detonated five IED cylinders planted by terrorists along the route. The operation was executed successfully without any casualty, after which the troops safely returned to base," Goni stated.

The military spokesman disclosed that troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion recorded another success on June 17 while withdrawing from a picketing duty in Kirawa. He said the troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of terrorists mounted on about 60 motorcycles along the Miyanti-Ngoshe axis.

"Although the terrorists initiated the encounter by opening fire on the troops, the gallant soldiers responded with overwhelming and sustained firepower, compelling the insurgents to retreat in disarray towards Miyanti," Goni said. He added that while terrorist casualties could not be immediately confirmed, troops recovered 817 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three motorcycles, two solar panels, 102 sachets of salt, one motorcycle tyre, two motorcycle tubes and several other motorcycle spare parts.

In a related development, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison on June 19 recorded another breakthrough after receiving credible intelligence on terrorist logistics activities. During a routine stop-and-search operation at the brigade's checkpoint, the troops intercepted and arrested two suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers identified as Mohammed Bukar, also known as "Dege," aged 35, and his apprentice, Iliyasu Abdullahi, aged 26.

Goni said the suspects were apprehended in a cyan Volkswagen vehicle with registration number FGF-357-AG while conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and relief materials allegedly intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters. "These successful operations reaffirm the unwavering commitment of troops of Operation HADIN KAI to denying terrorists freedom of action, disrupting their logistics networks, and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens," he stated.

The military authorities further urged residents of the North-East to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that cooperation from local communities remains critical to ongoing counter-terrorism operations and efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the region.