Troops recover nearly N40m, kill Boko Haram commander in Borno

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have intercepted a suspicious vehicle and recovered approximately ₦37 million in cash, alongside multiple mobile phones suspected to be linked to terrorist activities, in Borno State.

The operation, conducted through the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbal Checkpoint, forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle financial and logistical networks supporting terrorist groups in the North East.

The Media Information Officer Lt. Col. Sani Uba disclosed in a press statement that the vehicle, carrying five occupants, was intercepted during routine patrols along known terrorist transit routes.

“This interception represents a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle financial conduits suspected to support terrorist logistics and operational activities,” the statement read.

In a related development, OPHK troops thwarted coordinated attacks by terrorists on Pulka and Mandaragirau communities in Gwoza Local Government Area, inflicting heavy losses, including the elimination of a senior Boko Haram commander, Abou Aisha, who sustained a critical gunshot injury to the neck. Significant weapons and equipment were also recovered.

The engagements reportedly left no casualties among troops, though some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supporting the operations paid the supreme price. Injured soldiers were immediately evacuated via OPHK’s Air Component and Nigerian Army aviation platforms.

Lt. Col. Uba described the operations as part of a deliberate strategy to disrupt terrorist supply chains and deny insurgents freedom of movement.

“Troops have sustained operational momentum from recent successful defensive actions in Pulka and Mandaragirau, transitioning decisively into logistics strangulation operations aimed at crippling terrorist networks across the theatre,” he said.

During the night of February 14–16, terrorists mounted attacks from the Sambisa Forest axis on Pulka and Mandaragirau. Troops responded with intense firefights, successfully containing the assaults and forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.

Follow-up operations along the Kimba axis revealed blood trails, shallow graves, and abandoned items, confirming substantial enemy losses and the evacuation of multiple casualties by insurgents.

The Military High Command commended the bravery, professionalism, and fighting spirit of OPHK troops, noting that the failed attacks reflect growing desperation among terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure.

“OPHK remains resolute in its mandate to dismantle terrorist networks, safeguard communities, and restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North East region,” Lt. Col. Uba added.

The successful interdictions and elimination of key terrorist commanders are seen as significant steps in disrupting Boko Haram and ISWAP operations, while safeguarding civilians and critical supply routes.

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