Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Troops of the Joint Task Force North‑East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, security sources confirmed. The operation was carried out under Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations at about 11:05 p.m. on May 13, 2026, in Bazamri village, which military sources described as a major crossing route used by elements of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to counter‑insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, troops on ambush duty intercepted the suspects and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, leading to the death of the two insurgents. No soldier was injured or killed during the engagement, military authorities confirmed.
Following the encounter, soldiers conducted a thorough search of the area and recovered items believed to be supplies intended for the terrorists. The recovered supplies included 54 packs of 80‑gram detergent, 32 packs of 500‑gram salt, and one carton of spaghetti. The discovery of everyday commodities, particularly salt, which is a critical necessity for preserving food and sustaining life in remote bush hideouts, indicates that the troops had struck a vital logistical artery of the terrorist network. Security sources said the troops later changed position and continued surveillance operations in the area as part of ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist movements and disrupt their supply lines. The ambush unit redeployed to alternate positions and maintained observation of the corridor as part of a sustained offensive action aimed at degrading the operational capacity of terrorist groups across the North‑East theatre.
The Konduga axis has long been a flashpoint in the counter‑insurgency campaign, with the Nigerian military maintaining a persistent presence to counter the activities of ISWAP and Boko Haram. In recent months, troops have intensified clearance operations, intelligence‑led raids, and ambushes along known terrorist transit routes. The success of the operation was also attributed to improved intelligence gathering and coordination between ground troops and the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided surveillance coverage and real‑time tracking of insurgent movements.
In a separate but concurrent operation, troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Tuba arrested three suspected cattle rustlers in the Karnuwa general area of Borno State. Acting on actionable intelligence provided by a local informant identified as Malam Muhammadu Ardo, troops mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, and apprehended the suspects. The arrested individuals were identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha, 28; Mallam Mamman Bukar, 18; and Malam Modu Hassan, 30. They were intercepted while reportedly operating a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly used in transporting stolen livestock. Recovered from the suspects included a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards, and N20,650 in cash. The rustled cattle were returned to their rightful owners at the point of arrest. Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects admitted involvement in repeated cattle thefts and sales to buyers in Maiduguri. Security sources noted that investigators are examining possible links to terrorist networks, including ISWAP or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal‑Jihad (JAS), based on inconsistencies observed during interrogation.
The successful ambush in Konduga is part of a broader surge in offensive operations across the North‑East. On the same day, troops of Operation Hadin Kai also rescued six abducted women and children in a separate mission near Amuda, following an air interdiction around the Mandara Mountains. The rescued victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and a three‑month‑old infant, Mohammed Yahaya. They were taken to a military medical facility for treatment before being reunited with their families through community leadership.
Military authorities reaffirmed that ongoing operations across Borno State remain active, with troops maintaining sustained pressure on both insurgent groups and criminal networks operating within the region. The ambush team’s ability to intercept the terrorists without suffering casualties is a testament to the growing proficiency of Nigerian troops in asymmetric warfare, where knowledge of the terrain and the element of surprise remain decisive advantages. The recovery of everyday supplies, particularly salt, which is a critical commodity for preserving food and sustaining life in remote bush hideouts, indicates that the troops had struck a vital logistical artery of the terrorist network.
As the sun rose over Konduga on Friday, the terrorists who had intended to move undetected through Bazamri village lay dead in the bush. The items they were carrying – detergent, salt, and spaghetti – were not weapons, but they were just as vital to the survival of the insurgency. By intercepting these supplies, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reminded the nation that the fight against terrorism is not only about bullets and bombs but also about cutting the invisible threads that keep the enemy fed, clothed, and operational. The terrorists who escaped will have to find another route, and the troops will be waiting.
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