TROOPS have recorded a major battlefield success in the fight against insurgency, killing three top ISWAP commanders and eight of their fighters during a failed ambush along the Baga–Cross Kauwa supply route in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The slain commanders were identified as Modu Dogo Munzir of Dogon Chukun, an unidentified Munzir, and Abu Aisha, the Qaid of Tumbun Mota.
The encounter occurred on Monday, September 15, 2025, around 8:00 a.m. when terrorists attempted to spring a deadly ambush on troops of Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) using a Command Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
According to a statement released by the Theater Command of Operation Hadin Kai sent to News Point Nigeria, the patrol team came under sudden attack but responded swiftly, engaging the insurgents in a fierce gun duel.
“The troops held their ground, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray with gunshot wounds. In the aftermath, 14 motorcycles, several AK-47 rifles with magazines, 7.62mm special ammunition, anti-aircraft rounds, blankets, drugs, and other sundry logistics were recovered,” the statement read.
The command also confirmed that two gun trucks abandoned by the fleeing insurgents were destroyed by troops due to difficult terrain, while additional terrorists were neutralised through precision airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of OPHK with intelligence support from the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Remarkably, the military reported no casualties on the side of government forces.
In a coordinated effort to sustain pressure on the insurgents, troops of Sector 1 operating with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members and local hunters launched an offensive operation at Umbo in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
During the raid, three terrorists were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered AK-47 rifles, multiple rounds of ammunition, and an Itel mobile phone from the scene.
Military sources say the successful operations are part of an ongoing strategy to dominate the Lake Chad region and deny ISWAP and Boko Haram remnants any freedom of movement or access to supply routes.
The Theater Command hailed the gallantry of troops and reaffirmed its resolve to sustain aggressive clearance operations until peace is restored across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
