Troops Foil Boko Haram Ambush, Destroy Makeshift Camps in Borno

By Benson Daniel

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, forcing the attackers to withdraw while soldiers dismantled several makeshift camps believed to have been used as hideouts and staging points.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, during a routine patrol along the Buni Gari-Buratai axis on Monday.

According to the military, the troops came under attack from the terrorists but responded quickly and decisively, preventing the ambush from achieving its objective and forcing the insurgents to retreat from the area.

Reinforcements were subsequently deployed to the location to clear the ambush site and conduct a search of the surrounding terrain.

During the clearance operation, troops discovered several makeshift structures believed to have been used by the terrorists as temporary camps, hideouts and staging locations. The structures were dismantled as part of efforts to deny the insurgents freedom of movement and prevent them from using the area to plan further attacks.

The troops also recovered a number of items during the operation, including a motorcycle, bicycles, a magazine, ammunition and rocket propelled grenade bombs.

The military said no soldier was killed or injured during the encounter, although some military vehicles sustained damage in the attack.

Despite the damage, the troops remained operational and successfully completed the mission, according to the military authorities.

The latest operation is part of continuing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating across the North East.

Security forces have continued to intensify patrols, clearance operations and intelligence driven missions in areas considered vulnerable to terrorist attacks, particularly along routes linking communities and locations previously used by insurgents.

The military said the successful operation demonstrated the determination of troops to prevent terrorist elements from establishing bases and moving freely within the theatre of operations.

The security situation around the affected area was described as calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining aggressive patrols and coordinated operations to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

The military stressed that cooperation from local communities remains important to counter terrorism, particularly in identifying unfamiliar persons, abandoned structures and movements that could provide support to insurgent groups.

The latest development comes as Nigerian security forces continue operations across Borno and other parts of the North East to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics and prevent attacks on civilians and military positions.

For troops operating in the region, the focus remains on denying terrorists safe locations from which they can organise attacks while maintaining pressure through sustained patrols and clearance operations.