Borno

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian military has recorded significant victories against Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters in recent coordinated operations in Borno State.

The raids, carried out through combined air and ground assaults in Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains, forced the insurgents into confusion and led to the emergency burial of dozens of their fighters.

The offensive followed last Friday’s attack by ISWAP gunmen on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area, where about 60 civilians were killed.Residents reported to Zagazola Makama that the terrorists stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately before retreating toward the forest.

Their movements, however, were detected by military Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, which guided airstrikes against them.

“The ISR platforms picked up multiple terrorist movements. The Air Component swiftly engaged them with devastating precision, instantly neutralising more than 30 fighters,” a senior security source told Zagazola.

Following the air bombardments, ground troops from nearby Forward Operating Bases entered Darajamal to restore calm and provide support to survivors.In another phase of the operation, armed drones targeted terrorist hideouts and movement routes within the Mandara Mountains.

At least four locations were struck, leading to the deaths of several commanders and fighters. Survivors fled in disorder, leaving behind both weapons and corpses of their colleagues.

Intelligence further revealed that the Ali Ngulde faction of Boko Haram, which has been weakened by sustained military pressure in the Sambisa axis, buried not less than 47 bodies of slain members in hurried ceremonies at scattered sites.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian military forces operating in the restive northeast have killed at least 24 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents during a series of intense offensives conducted between July 4th and 9th, the Army announced Wednesday.

Troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by air power and local forces including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters, executed multiple successful ambushes, patrols, and clearance operations across Borno and Adamawa states.

According to a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for the Theatre Command, the operations targeted terrorist movements, logistics networks, and hideouts.

Key engagements included:

1.Ambush at Platari (July 4): Troops killed 3 insurgents on bicycles moving from Sambisa Forest towards the Timbuktu Triangle.

2.Ambush near Komala (July 4):One terrorist was neutralized; troops recovered motorcycles, sprayers, pesticides, and food.

3.Night Ambush near Kawuri (July 4): 2 terrorists transporting logistics were killed; salt, seasoning, and detergents seized.

4.IDP Camp Interception, Madarari (July 5): Troops prevented terrorists from accessing a camp, killing one and recovering ammunition.

5.Fighting Patrol at Leno Kura (July 5): 3 insurgents killed during an assault on their enclave.

6.Night Ambush near Ngoshe/Gava (July 6): One terrorist neutralized at a suspected crossing point.

7.Ambush near Sabsawa (July 7): 2 logistics suppliers killed; bicycles, slippers, torchlights, and other items recovered.

8.Clearance Operation at Bula Marwa (July 8): One insurgent killed, gun and uniforms recovered, camp destroyed (air support involved).

9.Joint Patrol at Pambula, Adamawa (July 8): One terrorist killed; four motorcycles and a weapon captured.

10.Tangalanga & Bula Marwa Clearance (July 9): 3 insurgents killed; camp destroyed; six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of ammunition recovered (air support involved).

11.Ambush at Ngailda, Manjim, Wulle (July 9): 6 terrorists killed; motorcycles and bicycles seized.

Captain Kovangiya emphasized the significance of air support and collaboration with local forces like the CJTF and hunters in the success of the operations.

He stated the offensive demonstrates the troops’ determination to cripple the insurgents and restore security for socio-economic activities in the region.

Exploitation of the areas after clashes led to the recovery of significant weapons, ammunition, logistics supplies, and the destruction of terrorist camps and life-supporting structures.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a decisive blow against terrorism, Nigerian Special Forces under Operation HADIN KAI have eliminated a high-profile Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Amir Abu Fatima, along with several of his lieutenants in Kukawa, Northern Borno State.

The successful operation, carried out on May 30, 2025, followed credible intelligence reports on the terrorists’ hideout.

Abu Fatima, who had a ₦100 million bounty on his head, was fatally wounded in a fierce gun battle with troops. His deputy, explosives experts, and multiple fighters were also neutralized in the encounter.

Military sources confirmed the recovery of AK-47 rifles, ammunition, explosives, and IED-making materials from the scene.

No casualties were recorded among Nigerian forces.

This strike marks a major setback for terrorist operations in the region and underscores the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to restore stability in the Northeast.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has released a chilling video confirming its deadly attack on a military base in Gajibo, Borno State, on Thursday.

The footage, published by the Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency, shows two military vehicles engulfed in flames and six motorcycles seized by the terrorists.

Local sources report that six members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in the assault.

The attack appears to be part of a coordinated operation, as another ISWAP unit was simultaneously headed toward Damboa.

Security experts warn that ISWAP is growing increasingly bold, capitalizing on security vulnerabilities in northeastern Nigeria.

The latest assault highlights the persistent threat posed by the terrorist group in the region.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident as tensions remain high in the area.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has imposed an immediate ban on the sale of petrol across Bama Local Government Area, including Bama town and Banki, as part of renewed efforts to address persistent security challenges in the region.

The move followed consultations with security agencies and is aimed at restricting the supply of fuel, which authorities believe may be aiding insurgent activities.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Malam Dauda Iliya.

“I have directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in Bama town, Banki, and other parts of Bama Local Government Area,” Governor Zulum was quoted as saying.

He emphasized that the directive would be strictly enforced, warning that violators would face legal consequences.

“There will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of this ban. Security agencies have been instructed to clamp down on any filling station or individual found violating the order,” the governor added.

Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace in the state and urged residents to cooperate with security efforts aimed at ending insurgency.

He has consistently rolled out policies targeting the disruption of supply lines and mobility of insurgent groups in Borno’s conflict-affected zones.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has imposed a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages and blamed security personnel, including military and police officers, for enabling criminal activities in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of a reconstituted committee to tackle illegal hotels, brothels, and criminal hideouts, Zulum accused dismissed and serving security officers of promoting crimes such as radicalism, prostitution, and drug abuse.

“Most of these criminal acts are committed by dismissed and even active security personnel, alongside civilians. There should be no sacred cows if we want to end terrorism and other vices,” Zulum stated.

The governor’s ban follows rising cases of cult clashes, theft, and violent crimes linked to alcohol consumption.

The new committee includes military, police, and civilian task force members to enforce the crackdown.

The move raises questions about its impact on state revenue, particularly amid ongoing debates over tax reforms championed by Zulum and other northern leader.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered a fuel-smuggling operation allegedly supplying Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State and neighboring Cameroon.

During a raid on Hadiza and Sadiq Filling Station in Maiduguri, soldiers caught workers loading 500 jerrycans of fuel, suspected to be destined for terrorist hideouts.

Intelligence reports indicate that smugglers often use modified vehicles to transport petrol to insurgent camps near Pulka and Cameroon’s border areas.

Several suspects were arrested and reportedly confessed to delivering fuel to terrorism-linked locations, though they denied knowing the recipients.

Military sources condemned the act, labeling the perpetrators “economic saboteurs” aiding terrorism.

Authorities have vowed to intensify surveillance and prosecute all collaborators, warning that such sabotage of national security will not be tolerated.

By Uzair Adam

An army captain and a soldier have been killed following a fresh attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Izge community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The terrorists reportedly stormed the community around 1 a.m. on Wednesday and engaged troops in a gun battle.

Confirming the incident, the Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, said the attackers met strong resistance from the military and local security groups.

“It’s true that my people in Izge community came under Boko Haram attack around 1 a.m. Unfortunately, a captain and a soldier paid the supreme price,” he said.

He, however, noted that the joint efforts of the military, Civilian JTF, local hunters, vigilantes, and community members led to the killing of three insurgents.

He added that the attackers abandoned more than 10 motorcycles and weapons before fleeing into the bush, where security operatives are currently pursuing them.

While praying for the souls of the fallen soldiers, the monarch applauded their bravery and sacrifice in defending the area.

“May Allah (SWT) grant the departed souls Jannatul Firdaus. Our gallant men are still in the bush, sacrificing their lives to maintain peace,” he said.

He also appreciated the Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, for the consistent logistics support and urged the federal government to equip security operatives with advanced technological tools to fight terrorism.

The North East region has witnessed a spike in insurgent attacks. On Saturday, at least four soldiers were killed in an attack on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State, where equipment was also destroyed.

That attack occurred less than a day after the North East Governors Forum met in Damaturu, adopting a multidimensional approach to address insecurity in the region.

Buni Yadi is about 65 kilometers from Damaturu and is the hometown of the state governor, Mai Mala Buni.

The latest assault comes two weeks after President Bola Tinubu charged service chiefs to end the persistent killings.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

An explosion, caused by extreme heat, has rocked the Giwa Barracks ammunition storage facility yesterday, the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI has confirmed.

Authorities attributed the blast to soaring temperatures in Maiduguri, which ignited some munitions.

Emergency responders, including the Borno State Fire Service and security agencies, swiftly contained the situation.

Troops have been deployed to maintain security and prevent any potential unrest.

The military urged the public to disregard rumors of an attack and assured residents that the incident posed no further threat.

No casualties were reported, but investigations are ongoing to assess the full extent of the damage.

By Uzair Adam

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has sympathised with victims of a deadly explosion suspected to have been triggered by Boko Haram insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa highway.

The attack, believed to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), claimed the lives of eight civilians and left 21 others injured on Saturday.

The victims were travelling in civilian vehicles when the blast occurred.Fourteen of the injured sustained serious injuries, while seven others were treated for minor wounds at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.

Speaking during a visit to the hospital, Governor Zulum described the incident as deeply regrettable, noting that Borno had not witnessed an IED-related attack in over a year.

“It is unfortunate this is happening now. We haven’t witnessed an IED attack for over a year,” the governor stated, pointing out that the highway had been closed for a month before the tragic incident.

Zulum expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

He reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian military and other security agencies, urging them to step up surveillance along the highway to avert further attacks.

He stressed that the state government would continue working closely with the federal government and security forces to address the security challenges posed by insurgents.

“I assure the people of Borno that, ‘Insha Allah’, under my leadership, we will not allow the security situation to worsen,” he added.

The governor also pledged to strengthen community-based security efforts, particularly by supporting the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and youth volunteers involved in counter-insurgency operations.

Commenting on a recent security meeting held in Abuja with military chiefs, Zulum said the discussions were fruitful, especially concerning the resurgence of Boko Haram activities.

“We met with the service chiefs in Abuja and received assurances from them that they would do everything possible to manage the situation,” he said.

The Borno State government has called for stronger collaboration between local intelligence networks and security agencies to improve early warning systems and prevent similar attacks in the future.