TROOPS of the Joint Task Force Northeast, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled multiple coordinated infiltration attempts by suspected ISWAP terrorists across parts of Borno State.
The soldiers also intercepting a suspected foreign courier transporting prohibited items believed to be intended for terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad Islands.
In a statement on Friday, July 10, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Northeast, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said between 12:20a.m. and 2:30a.m. on Friday, terrorists launched coordinated attempts to infiltrate Muna Garage, Shuwari Village, and the Ajilari Cross axis with the apparent aim of gaining access to the Maiduguri metropolis.
He said troops, supported by effective early warning systems, detected the advancing insurgents and engaged them from multiple directions with precise firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Goni said the military also foiled additional infiltration attempts in Miringa and Dutsen Kura areas of Buratai, and during pursuit of fleeing terrorists in Miringa, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but no casualties were recorded and the situation remains under control.
He stated that the swift tactical response of the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, compelling them to flee in disarray from all engagement areas.
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI disrupted a suspected terrorist logistics network, when, acting on credible intelligence, soldiers conducting a search operation along the Maiduguri-Monguno highway, intercepted a suspicious vehicle heading toward Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Council of Borno State.
The driver, identified as Rachael Samuel, a 48-year-old from Kelo, Chari-Baguirmi Province of Chad, was arrested while allegedly transporting a large quantity of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.
Military authorities said preliminary investigations suggested the recovered items were intended to support terrorist activities in the region.
Items recovered from the suspect include seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes; two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as ‘Suck and Die;’ 48 bottles of dry gin; 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages; a mobile phone; two ATM cards; cash; and other personal belongings.
The suspect remained in military custody, while all recovered exhibits had been secured, pending transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Goni said the operation underscored Operation HADIN KAI’s commitment to cutting off the supply chains that sustain terrorist activities across the North East.
The military urged the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the Northeast.
