A potentially devastating suicide attack in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State was averted in the early days of the new year after troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised three Boko Haram suicide bombers in a swift, intelligence-led operation.
The incident occurred along the Guduf–Pulka corridor, a volatile stretch linking several communities in southern Borno. Acting on actionable intelligence, troops moved decisively, working closely with local vigilante and volunteer forces whose familiarity with the terrain proved critical to the success of the mission. The collaboration once again highlighted the growing importance of community participation in counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the suicide bombers were intercepted before they could reach their intended targets, thereby preventing what could have resulted in mass civilian casualties.
According to him, the terrorists were neutralised during a deliberate operation carefully designed to disrupt their movement and neutralise the threat. In the aftermath, troops recovered suicide vests and other components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were immediately secured to eliminate further risk to residents of the area.
The operation did not end there. Troops also engaged the terrorist escorts accompanying the bombers, killing several of them and forcing others to flee into the rugged Mandara Mountains. During exploitation of the area, four AK-47 rifles were recovered, while two motorcycles used by the terrorists were destroyed.
Military intelligence later revealed that the suicide bombers were dispatched by the Ali Ngulde–led Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram, operating from the Mandara Mountain axis along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
In response, Operation HADIN KAI has intensified offensive operations in the area, aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist cells and cutting off suicide-bomber supply chains. The military has also strengthened cooperation with other security agencies as well as community groups across Borno and neighbouring Yobe State to safeguard vulnerable locations.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Lt. Col. Uba assured that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and ensuring the safety and security of civilians across the North-East.
