Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working in tandem with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a decisive raid on terrorist hideouts in Sambisa Forest, Borno State, on Thursday 15 May 2025, dislodging insurgents and seizing a large cache of weapons and materials used in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the operation in an official statement released via its Facebook page. According to the update, the clearance mission was carried out between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., targeting key terrorist enclaves in Garin Malam Ali, Garin Glucose, and Ukuba.
“The aggressive patrol and clearance operation targeted terrorist strongholds in Garin Malam Ali, Garin Glucose, and Ukuba,” the statement read.
It further noted that the troops successfully invaded the camps, forcing the insurgents to retreat and abandon their arms and explosive components. “The troops successfully invaded the strongholds, forcing the insurgents to flee and abandon their arms and ammunition. A significant cache of weapons and IED-making equipment was recovered,” it stated.
The military also confirmed that follow-up exploitation and clearance operations are still ongoing in parts of the Sambisa Forest, as efforts continue to eliminate remaining terrorist threats.
This operation follows a recent surge in Boko Haram attacks on both military installations and civilian communities in Borno, which have resulted in the loss of soldiers and local residents. It also coincides with the visit of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to Borno State for strategic meetings with top military commanders and regional stakeholders, amid heightened concerns over the re-emergence of terrorist activity in the area.