18 Terrorists Eliminated As Nigerian Troops Launch Fresh Offensive In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated at least 18 suspected terrorists during a military operation that disrupted a gathering of high-ranking insurgents at Tumbunma Baba in the Tumbuns general area of Borno State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the operation was carried out on Friday following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance indicating that senior terrorist elements had assembled in the area, which was allegedly being used as a meeting point and logistics base.

The Nigerian Army said the operation involved coordinated efforts by the air and ground components of the North-East Joint Task Force.

The acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed that intelligence activities were intensified after security forces received information about the presence of the insurgents in the area.

He explained that additional surveillance and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions conducted from September 9, 2026, helped identify several terrorist structures and logistics facilities within the location.

According to Goni, the intelligence gathered confirmed that the area was being used as a gathering and support base by the insurgents, prompting military authorities to plan a targeted operation.

He said the targets were positively identified before the operation commenced in the early hours of Friday, with military aircraft striking the identified structures while ground troops positioned themselves along likely escape routes.

Goni said the coordinated assault resulted in the destruction of the targeted structures and the neutralisation of more than 18 terrorist elements.

The military spokesman noted that the operation dealt a significant blow to the terrorists by destroying facilities they allegedly relied on for meetings and logistics activities.

He added that a post-operation assessment showed that approximately 85 per cent of the military’s objectives had been achieved.

Goni said the development further demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led military operations, accurate surveillance and effective coordination between air assets and ground forces.

He assured residents across the North-East that Operation Hadin Kai would continue to carry out intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing terrorist groups from regrouping, expanding their activities or establishing logistics networks.

The military also called on residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies to assist ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt terrorist activities across the region.