In what the military is touting as a “major victory,” Nigerian Army troops under Operation HADIN KAI claim to have ambushed and killed 21 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, allegedly crippling a key supply route for the insurgents. The operation, which took place in the Sojiri and Kayamla communities, is being hailed by officials as a decisive blow against terrorist logistics in the region.

According to a press release from the Army, the ambush was based on “actionable intelligence” that more than 100 Boko Haram fighters had gathered in the area, supposedly preparing for attacks and moving vital supplies. The Army says it acted swiftly, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes to intercept the convoy before it could reach its destination.

“Acting on this intelligence, troops, working in close synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to intercept the terrorists. Contact was made at about 1200 hours as the terrorists advanced,” the Army’s statement reads. The military describes a dramatic firefight, with soldiers allegedly outmaneuvering the insurgents and forcing them to retreat after a “fierce and sustained” battle.

After the dust settled, the Army reported 21 terrorists dead and claimed that several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Officials say follow-up operations are underway to track down the fleeing insurgents and recover more items from the scene.

The Army is showcasing a haul of seized items, including bicycles, food, drugs, medical supplies, detergents, clothing, bicycle tyres, torchlights, and other logistics materials. Troops also reportedly confiscated a variety of weapons and ammunition, which the military says will further degrade the insurgents’ capabilities.

Military sources are quick to highlight the “high morale” among troops, insisting that their fighting spirit remains “strong and unwavering.” The Army is using this operation as proof of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven, joint security efforts in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

This latest ambush is just one in a string of recent military actions in Borno State. In another incident, troops say they discovered and neutralized an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Damboa–Komala road, preventing what could have been a deadly attack. Authorities also report the arrest of two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in the Kirawa area of Gwoza Local Government Area, further disrupting the insurgents’ supply chain.

Security analysts, echoing the military’s narrative, argue that targeting logistics convoys is a “critical strategy” in weakening insurgent groups. By cutting off supplies, the Army hopes to undermine Boko Haram and ISWAP’s ability to operate, with officials promising that these efforts will lead to greater stability in the region.

The Nigerian Army is doubling down on its commitment to “maintaining pressure” on terrorist groups and protecting communities in the northeast. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, emphasizing the importance of public support in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.