Troops Kill Nine Terrorists, Recover ₦5 Million Ransom in Borno Operations

TROOPS of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralised nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered ransom money totalling about ₦5 million during separate counter-terrorism operations in Magumeri and Gajiram general areas of Borno State.

According to a statement released on Saturday, 11 October 2025, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), the operations were carried out by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion, Magumeri, following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area.

The statement noted that on 10 October, the troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol after reports indicated that Boko Haram fighters, moving in two vehicles and accompanied by 24 foot soldiers, were attacking locals and setting houses ablaze.

“As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. After a four-hour pursuit spanning approximately 92 kilometres, contact was established and a heavy exchange of fire ensued,” the statement read.

Five terrorists were neutralised during the engagement, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, leaving behind blood trails. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), five magazines (two loaded, three empty), 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Itel mobile phone and a dagger.

No casualties or equipment losses were recorded by the troops during the operation.

In a related development, troops conducting patrols along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis engaged another group of Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village. Mounted on motorcycles, the troops neutralised four terrorists during the ensuing firefight, while others fled into the bush.

Two captives, identified as 55-year-old Mr Modu Kinnami and 57-year-old Mr Bukar, both from Guzamala, were rescued. A sack containing ₦750,000 was also recovered from the scene.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the terrorists had demanded ₦2 million and two new Tecno button phones as ransom for the release of the captives’ brother,” the statement added.

Further items recovered included a blue pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA), two new Tecno phones, a jerrycan containing 30 litres of petrol, and a total of ₦4,355,000 in cash.

Lieutenant Colonel Uba said that troops remain vigilant and have intensified operations across all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.