A string of successful military operations under Operation Hadin Kai has recently curtailed the logistics pipeline enabling terrorist activities in Northeast Nigeria. Collaboration between ground troops, air forces, civilian task forces, and local vigilantes has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures of illicit supplies destined for terrorist groups.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that operations spanning from mid to late July 2025 led to the disruption of terror networks and elimination of some terrorist elements.
The arrest of Mallam Aminu Idris on July 19 carrying unauthorized Starlink communication equipment along the contested Kano–Maiduguri axis exemplifies the crackdown on the transmission capabilities of insurgents.
Drug trafficking also remains a concern, with Mr Ali Abba, apprehended the same day transporting tramadol and diazepam towards Damasak, highlighting the flow of pharmaceuticals used by insurgents.
Seized contraband across the period includes an assortment of small arms, ammunition, IED parts, motorcycles, and communication gear linked with terror factions.
Raids and ambushes were mounted in Bama, Monguno, and Konduga between July 18 and 22, resulting in several insurgent casualties and disruption of attempts to infiltrate security zones.
On July 15, 114 Battalion troops intercepted suspected supply shipments in Madagali, Adamawa State, recovering motorbikes, bags of cement, food supplies, and soft drinks—the latter often used as a cover for smuggled items. The following day saw the arrest of seven individuals in possession of materials likely destined for terrorists.
Engagements on the battlefield included a fighting patrol in Gwoza LGA on July 17 by the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, where at least one terrorist was neutralized.
In the early hours of July 18, the 27 Task Force Brigade successfully executed an ambush on Lambawa-Kalari road, resulting in the death of a terrorist and reclaiming weapons.
The Maiduguri–Mafa road was also a flashpoint where troops intercepted smuggled petroleum products concealed in sacks, linking perpetrators to cross-border smuggling activities.
July 20 witnessed a significant recovery of IED materials from Takaskala, Madagali, alongside a foiled infiltration attempt in Monguno from which rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition were seized.
By July 21, the military accepted the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists in Bama, reportedly relocating from Gashua village amid unrest.
Intelligence operations have brought in several collaborators including young informants believed to assist insurgent movements.
A major haul on July 22 involved the confiscation of a truck carrying solar batteries, panels, power inverters, carburetor gas cylinders, refrigerators, and foodstuff bound for insurgent territories near Gamboru.
Major General Kangye affirmed that these persistent and coordinated offensives have severely impaired Boko Haram and ISWAP’s operational logistics. He praised the bravery of Nigerian troops and reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces towards a peaceful and secure Northeast.
