Troops neutralise 9 terrorists and recover N5m ransom in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered about ₦5 million in ransom during counter-terrorism operations in the Magumeri and Gajiram areas of Borno State. Credible military sources say the operations took place following intelligence reports that insurgents were moving into Goni Dunari, setting houses ablaze, and terrorising local communities.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a swift and aggressive fighting patrol. As the military advanced, some insurgents attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village, while others dispersed on foot. After about four hours of pursuit over approximately 92 kilometres, contact was made. A frontal attack led to the neutralisation of five terrorists, with more dispersed or wounded.
Recovered from the scene were weapons and items including an AK-47 rifle, multiple magazines (some loaded, some empty), 7.62 mm ammunition rounds, a mobile phone, and a dagger. In addition, two kidnapped victims, aged 55 and 57, were rescued. Those abducted were from Guzamala; a sack of ₦750,000 was found with them. Preliminary investigations indicated the terrorists had demanded a ransom of ₦2 million plus two new Tecno button phones for the release of a relative.
Further items retrieved included another ₦4,355,000, two Tecno button phones, a blue pickup truck, a jerrycan holding 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and other equipment. The combined recovered ransom and related items amounted to the ₦5 million figure reported.
Military spokesmen assert that there were no casualties or losses among the troops during the operations. They also said that operations remain ongoing across all fronts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and to protect civilians in affected regions.
