Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists and dismantled several makeshift camps in Biu Local Government Area of Borno. The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Capt Mohammed Goni, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.
Goni said troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, encountered the terrorists while conducting a routine patrol along the Buni Gari-Buratai axis on Sept. 7. He said the troops responded decisively, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area in disarray. According to him, reinforcements were subsequently deployed to clear the ambush site and exploit the surrounding area.
“During the operation, troops discovered and dismantled several makeshift camps assessed to have been used by the terrorists as temporary staging and hideout locations,” he said. Goni said the troops recovered one motorcycle, bicycles, one magazine, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenade bombs during the operation.
He said no troops were killed or injured, although some military vehicles sustained damage during the engagement. “Notwithstanding the damage, the troops remained operational and successfully completed the mission,” he said. The military spokesman said the operation demonstrated the troops’ resolve to deny terrorist elements freedom of action and disrupt their activities across the theatre.
The winners: the troops, who have successfully foiled an ambush and dismantled terrorist camps; and the residents of Borno, who may benefit from improved security. The losers: the terrorists, who have lost equipment and hideouts; and the Nigerian government, which must sustain the momentum.
Bottom Line: Troops have foiled an ambush and dismantled Boko Haram camps. The military is making progress. The question is whether the momentum can be sustained or the insurgents will regroup.