In a major breakthrough in the ongoing counterterrorism efforts, a joint force comprising the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) successfully neutralised 10 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a fierce gun battle along the Rann–Gamboru Ngala axis, near the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday, July 1, 2025. He revealed that the clearance operation was part of renewed efforts to rid the Lake Chad Basin region of the last strongholds of insurgents.
According to General Kangye, the operation was launched based on actionable intelligence that pinpointed the terrorists’ movement and hideouts along the border communities.
The combined troops executed a well-coordinated offensive targeting the enclaves of the fleeing Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements.
“The encounter occurred during a joint mission strategically crafted to flush out the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists operating within the Rann-Gamboru axis,” Kangye stated.
“The troops, leveraging credible intelligence, stormed the terrorists’ camp, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire. Ten terrorists were eliminated in the clash as the troops displayed superior firepower and combat tactics.”
Following the intense firefight, the gallant troops successfully recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition from the scene. Items retrieved include several rifles, rounds of ammunition, and a considerable quantity of anti-aircraft ammunition, which are currently undergoing technical evaluation.
This latest operation forms part of a broader strategy aimed at dominating the Southern Lake Chad region and curbing the cross-border movements of terrorist elements between Nigeria and neighboring countries.
The military said it is determined to disrupt all supply routes and dismantle operational cells of the insurgents within and around the Lake Chad area.
Search and sweep operations are currently ongoing to trace possible escapees and locate other hidden terrorist camps in the region. The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in partnership with MNJTF, Hybrid Forces, and other security agencies, have intensified efforts across the Northern Borno axis to eliminate remaining pockets of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
Major General Kangye reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to restoring peace and stability in the Northeast and called on residents to continue providing credible information that could aid military operations.