Security Forces Eliminate Terrorists, Detain Collaborators in Borno and Yobe

Troops under Operation HADIN KAI have stepped up counter-insurgency efforts across Borno and Yobe states, resulting in the elimination of suspected terrorists, the arrest of collaborators and logistics suppliers, and a new wave of surrenders among insurgent groups.

These developments were detailed in a Defence Headquarters report covering May 15 to 21, published on its X handle on Sunday.

In Borno State, troops deployed to Kirawa conducted clearance operations on May 15 through the Valle general area, Ashigashiya, and Gakara in Gwoza Local Government Area, where two terrorists were killed during a firefight.

On May 16, soldiers working with local hunters raided insurgent logistics networks at Kwayar Kusar Market in Kwayar Kusar LGA. The operation led to the arrest of four suspected cattle rustlers and collaborators, who were allegedly trying to sell six cows on behalf of insurgents.

The military reported that sustained offensives and ongoing pressure on terrorist hideouts have prompted more insurgents and their relatives to surrender. For example, on May 17, an adult male relative of a terrorist fled the Kwatara enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops along the Gwoza-Limankara road, citing severe hardship and military pressure.

Further surrenders occurred on May 19 in Dikwa LGA, where two adult women and seven minors turned themselves in to the military. Additionally, a woman named Alisha Sale reportedly surrendered separately in Dikwa town on the same day.

On May 20, troops conducting routine security checks in Lawanti town, near Baga in Kukawa LGA, arrested a woman suspected of supplying ready-to-use supplementary food and hijabs to her son, Modu Mustapha—a notorious terrorist commander operating in Mobbar LGA, according to the military.

That same day, a 20-year-old man, Babakaka Bukar, surrendered to troops at the Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Nganzai LGA, handing over an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a mobile phone.

The military also revealed that on May 21, troops at a checkpoint in Bama arrested another suspected logistics supplier allegedly transporting food and other materials to insurgents.

In neighboring Yobe State, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition reportedly abandoned by fleeing terrorists, the report added.