TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI ELIMINATE 13 JAS/ISWAP TERRORISTS IN FAILED AMBUSH AT KERETO, BORNO

On Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a deadly ambush by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists targeting a military convoy escorting humanitarian trucks along the Gubio-Damasak road near Kereto in Borno State. The terrorists detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and unleashed heavy gunfire, but the troops engaged them promptly, killing 13 insurgents and forcing the rest to flee.

In the aftermath of the encounter, the troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and explosives, including eight AK-47 rifles, ten AK-47 magazines, a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition, a camel bag, multiple rolls of detonating cord wires used for making IEDs, and several primed IEDs ready for deployment. Although one soldier sustained a slight injury, he remains in stable condition. The clash resulted in damage to four Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle tires and the destruction of two trucks engulfed in flames.

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The military has since intensified operations in the area to deny terrorists freedom of movement and to continue securing humanitarian routes. Relief materials being transported have been secured and moved safely to Damasak. Operation HADIN KAI continues its strategic efforts to degrade Boko Haram/ISWAP capabilities across Borno State, as recent operations have seen significant insurgent casualties and the disruption of militant activities along critical waterways and border areas.

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria and the commitment of Nigerian armed forces to protect vulnerable communities and humanitarian efforts in the region.