The mission was executed in the early hours of December 21 as part of the ongoing kinetic efforts to stabilize the north-east region.
According to a military statement, the forces acted on reliable intelligence concerning the movement of essential supplies by suspected members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Soldiers, along with personnel from the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, were stationed at a specific interception zone between the villages of Sojiri and Kayamla on the night of December 20.
“At about 2:24 am on December 21, suspected terrorists riding bicycles arrived at the location conveying logistics materials, confirming earlier intelligence,” the statement reads.
The military reported that the units, positioned in hidden and organized formations, confronted the insurgents in a significant exchange of fire.
“Seventeen suspected terrorists were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement added.
Recovered items at the location included several bicycles, various food supplies, medications and medical kits, detergents, clothing, spare bicycle tires, flashlights, and a variety of weapons and ammunition.
The ambush unit reportedly returned safely to its base around 4:20 am, while search and follow-up missions continue in the area to evaluate the situation and prevent further insurgent movements.