By SUNTV Global Channel | December 31, 2025
Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded major successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, recovering a surveillance drone, arms, and ammunition during coordinated counterterrorism operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
Security sources confirmed that the operations disrupted an alleged terrorist plan to deploy an ultra-light drone to spy on troop movements and local communities.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the key encounter took place around 11:30 a.m. on December 30 in the Pridang general area of Borno State. Troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Izge, operating alongside volunteer forces, came into contact with suspected terrorists believed to be on a reconnaissance mission.
The insurgents reportedly fled after a fierce gun battle, abandoning the surveillance drone. Military sources said the fleeing terrorists likely sustained gunshot wounds.
“These drones are used for reconnaissance and attack planning. Recovering it is a major setback for their operations,” a military source disclosed.
ISWAP Informants Arrested in Adamawa
In a related development, troops working with local hunters arrested four suspected ISWAP informants in Garaha and Kakara communities of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, at about 6:30 p.m. on December 30.
The suspects—identified as Chollu Alhaji, Malam Bako Abubakar, Naftali Gabriel, and Madaiba Joseph—are accused of providing intelligence that enabled a deadly terrorist attack on Dubang village on December 29, which left several residents dead.
A military officer said the arrests followed credible intelligence from the local community, highlighting the importance of civilian cooperation. The suspects are currently in custody at the Theatre Prosecution Section, where investigations are ongoing.
Terrorists Neutralised, Arms Recovered
In Borno State, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, engaged Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters along the Tokumbere–Lagara axis on December 29, killing two insurgents. One AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine were recovered.
Similarly, soldiers of the 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed terrorists in the Ladantar area of Bama Local Government Area on December 28, neutralising one insurgent. Items recovered included materials believed to belong to the terrorists.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the troops during the operations.
Logistics Supplier Intercepted at Border
Troops of the 5 Brigade, working with CJTF operatives in Damasak, also arrested a 38-year-old suspected logistics supplier, Makinta Bukar, on December 28. He was intercepted at the Walada international border while allegedly attempting to smuggle phones, a power bank, a solar panel, and food items to insurgents.
Bukar, a native of Gamari village in Niger Republic, is currently in custody along with the seized items, as investigations continue.
Sambisa Forest Cleared
Meanwhile, under Operation Desert Sanity V, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, supported by volunteer forces, carried out extensive clearance operations in Sambisa Forest between December 29 and 30.
Several abandoned terrorist enclaves were dismantled, including Dure, Century Wolf, Sabil Huda, Ukuba axis, Parisu, Somalia Camp, and Njimiya areas. Troops recovered AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, and hand grenades, while multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were safely detonated.
Military authorities said the sustained operations demonstrate the armed forces’ commitment to dismantling insurgent networks and restoring peace in the North-East.
“The synergy between troops, volunteer forces, and local communities remains the backbone of our success,” a senior military source said.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the Nigerian military has reiterated its resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist groups until lasting security is achieved across the region.
