By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, have neutralised a suspected ISWAP terrorist and recovered weapons, ammunition and logistics supplies during a successful operation in Yobe State, thwarting an alleged mission by insurgents to extort local residents.

The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members travelling in two Volkswagen Golf vehicles and several motorcycles to collect illegal levies from communities in the state.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bukarti, working in collaboration with the 27 Task Force Brigade, launched an aggressive fighting patrol along the Paya Kafiya axis on July 19, 2026.

Goni said the troops swiftly intercepted the insurgents after establishing contact with them and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower.

During the encounter, one of the Volkswagen Golf vehicles used by the terrorists was successfully targeted and immobilised, while its driver was killed in the exchange of fire.

He explained that the remaining terrorists were unable to withstand the intensity of the military assault and abandoned the vehicle before fleeing into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot wounds.

The military spokesperson disclosed that follow-up exploitation operations conducted on July 20 along the Paya Kafiya-Garin Gada axis led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle and other items believed to have been used to support terrorist activities.

Items recovered from the scene included 25 rounds of belted PKT ammunition, one loaded AK-47 magazine, 15 empty PKT ammunition cases, assorted drugs, including paracetamol and nicotine products, as well as mechanical tools suspected to have been used for logistics and maintenance operations.

He noted that the recovery of the items further disrupted the operational capabilities of the terrorist group and denied the insurgents access to critical resources required for their activities.

Goni stated that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations in countering insurgency and dismantling criminal networks operating within the North-East region.

According to him, sustained military pressure has continued to weaken terrorist logistics structures, disrupt illicit revenue-generation channels and restrict the freedom of movement of insurgent groups across the theatre of operations.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to maintaining relentless offensives against terrorist elements and their collaborators in the region.

The military also pledged to sustain collaboration with other security agencies and local communities in order to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve operational outcomes.

Security analysts have repeatedly identified extortion and illegal taxation of local communities as one of the major sources of funding for terrorist groups operating in parts of the North-East.

The latest operation is considered another significant blow to insurgent efforts to generate revenue and sustain their activities in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that it would continue intelligence-led operations until terrorism and insurgency are decisively defeated and lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the North-East.