Troops neutralise two suspected ISWAP terrorists in Borno

Troops of the 73 Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have neutralised two suspected ISWAP terrorists during an ambush operation along Tamsukawu Road behind the University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, in Borno State.

The development was disclosed in a post shared by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, via his X handle.

According to Makama, the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on July 16, when troops lying in ambush made contact with the suspected terrorists moving along the route.

He said a gun battle ensued, during which two suspected ISWAP fighters were killed, while other members of the group fled into nearby bushes.

Following the encounter, troops reportedly conducted a search of the surrounding area in an attempt to track the fleeing suspects but made no further contact.

Military sources quoted by Makama said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorists freedom of movement around Maiduguri and its outskirts, particularly along routes frequently used by insurgents for infiltration.

The sources added that security in the area remained under control, although troops had been placed on high alert due to the unpredictable security situation in the theatre.