Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have killed at least nine terrorists during a fighting patrol at the Magumeri and Gajiram areas of Borno State on Friday.

This was contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, on Saturday.

According to him, a cash sum of N5 million, paid as ransom, was also recovered during the operation.

“The terrorists, reportedly moving on 2 vehicles and 24-foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorizing locals. Acting swiftly, their own troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat.

“As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.

“After about 4 hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists. A frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralization of 5 terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray. Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene,” he said.

The statement added that items recovered from the engagement include: one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), five Magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded), 31 x 7.62mm rounds, one Itel mobile phone, and one dagger.

It further explained that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by the OPHK troops during the operation,

Nigerian troops neutralise 9 terrorists, recover N5m ransom in Borno