Troops under Operation Hadin Kai stopped a Boko Haram drone strike in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State and recovered several items linked to the group during follow-up raids.
The Joint Task Force in the North East confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday by its Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the incident happened on Sunday while troops were moving after a series of planned and intelligence-supported missions across key Boko Haram hideouts in Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma.
The statement read that the troops had destroyed multiple terrorist locations and seized weapons and equipment before insurgents made attempts to respond.
Uba said the operation was supported by air assets which monitored the movement of fighters and helped block reinforcements.
He explained that the air and ground link strengthened the confidence of troops during the advance and limited the ability of the attackers to regroup.
During the raid, troops recovered communication radios, mobile phones, five magazines for AK-47 rifles, several rounds of 7.62 by 39 millimetre ammunition, 7.62 millimetre NATO belts, medical supplies, grain bags, a pick-up truck, and diesel-powered grinding machines. They also found Boko Haram flags, underground storage points, and lubricant containers believed to be used for operations.
The statement revealed that the troops later came under drone fire around midday. Another attempt was made later in the evening but was also pushed back, forcing the fighters to retreat.
Despite the engagements, Uba said morale remains high within the ranks and fighting ability has not reduced. He described the security situation as calm but unpredictable and noted that troops remain on alert.
The statement added that the military leadership has resolved to continue the missions until terrorist threats in the North East are removed and stability returns to communities in the zone.