Troops Foil Planned Attacks, Neutralise Three Suicide Bombers in Borno
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised three terrorist suicide bombers during an intelligence-led operation in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted along the Guduf–Pulka axis, was carried out following credible intelligence that the suspects were planning coordinated attacks on innocent civilians.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the troops, working with local volunteer forces, tracked and intercepted the bombers before they could carry out their mission.
He disclosed that suicide vests and other improvised explosive device (IED) materials were recovered from the terrorists, while heavy casualties were inflicted on their escorts. The surviving members reportedly fled towards the Mandara Mountains under sustained military pressure.
During follow-up operations, troops also recovered four AK-47 rifles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists and destroyed two motorcycles used by the group.
Preliminary intelligence indicated that the neutralised suicide bombers were dispatched from the Mandara Mountains by the Ali Ngulde-led Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba said Operation HADIN KAI had intensified efforts to detect, track and neutralise suicide bombers and other terrorist elements within the enclave, using human intelligence, communication intercepts and other intelligence-gathering tools.
He added that the theatre command was strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community-based volunteer groups across Borno and Yobe states to prevent attacks on soft targets. Public enlightenment campaigns, he noted, had also been stepped up to encourage residents to report suspicious movements promptly.
According to the statement, Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and ensuring the safety and security of residents within the North-East theatre of operations.
