Nigerian troops record major gains in northeast, rescue 15 abducted victims

Crime Diary

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have achieved significant operational successes across Borno State, repelling coordinated terrorist attacks, conducting follow-up air strikes, and rescuing 15 abducted women and children.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that ISWAP commander Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, who led a failed assault on Kukareta, was among those neutralised. Military sources confirmed that attacks on Kanama, Ngoshe, and Banki communities were repelled without casualties, as insurgents were decisively overpowered.

In sustained offensives, air interdiction missions at Sowolwolo in the Sambisa Forest neutralised three terrorist groups, further weakening their capacity. Another strike at Kaniram in the Mallam Fatori axis eliminated scores of fighters observed conducting burials after earlier precision attacks.

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Troops of 26 Brigade also carried out search-and-rescue operations along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, freeing 15 women and children previously kidnapped. The military said the victims are receiving care and will be reunited with their families after preliminary procedures.

In a separate incident, following their recent heavy losses in battles, suspected JAS fighters fired projectiles toward Gwoza in retaliation, though no casualties or damage were recorded in the attacks.

Military sources described the coordinated operations as a major boost to counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East, stressing that troops continue to maintain pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.