Nigerian troops neutralize Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest

The ongoing military onslaught under Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another feats, with the successful neutralisation of five Boko Haram fighters in the notorious Ladin Buttu axis of Sambisa Forest.

The recent encounter, which resulted in the recovery of arms and critical supplies, reinforced the renewed momentum of the Nigerian military’s intensified offensive operations deep into insurgent-held enclaves within the forest.

Ladin Buttu, a known terrorist transit and logistics hub, particularly for water access, had long served as a strategic hideout for insurgents operating within the fringes of the forest.

But under the latest push by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, it has become the latest flashpoint in a string of aggressive operations designed to dismantle remnants of terrorist infrastructure.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the terrorists during a clearance patrol and engaged them in a fierce firefight.

Five terrorists were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Recovered from the scene were three AK-47 rifles, five loaded magazines, and other military ordnance.

The operation, forms part of a broader recalibrated campaign by the Theatre consequent upon the visit of the COAS who has ordered intensified ground raids and aerial surveillance across Sambisa, Timbuktu Triangle, and parts of the Lake Chad fringes in a bid to cripple the operational capacities of the Boko Haram and ISWAP factions.

Meanwhile, Operation Safe Haven ( OPSH) deployed to restore law and order in Plateau , Bauchi and Southern Kaduna on Sunday said it has arrested some notorious gunrunners as well as other weapons at Marit Mazat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

A statement signed by Major Samson Zhakom , the Media officer of OPSH said the troops supported by an Intelligence Agency conducted an intelligence-based operation in the early hours of 11 May 2025, at Marit Mazat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

The operation was sequel to the arrest of a gunrunner and kidnapper identified as Mr Yahaya Adamu at Barakin Gangare in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State on 10 May 25.

According to the statement ‘During the follow-up operations, troops arrested a notoriou gunrunner/kidnapper, Mr Saeedu Haruna and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and one ITEL phone. ”

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested suspects and their syndicate are responsible for most of the criminal activities along Gashish and Kurra Falls in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, also in Gwantu and Fadan Karshe in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. ”

The arrested suspects are making useful confessions in custody, while efforts are ongoing by troops to track and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate as well as recover their weapons.

” OPSH lauds the unique cooperation of the populace in ensuring criminal hideouts are exposed to security agencies. ”

We, encourage that more credible information should be provided to own troops as they strive to hunt down non-state actors, while also protecting lives and property within the Joint Operations Area, they added.

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