Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have intercepted a suspicious vehicle in Borno State, recovering about ₦37 million in cash and several mobile phones believed to be connected to terrorist activities.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the JTF spokesman, Sani Uba. He explained that the operation was carried out by troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbal Checkpoint as part of sustained efforts to dismantle the financial and logistical networks of terrorists operating in the North East.
According to him, the vehicle, which had five occupants on board, was stopped during routine patrols along routes commonly used by terrorists.
“This interception marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt financial channels suspected to be supporting terrorist logistics and operations,” the statement said.
In a related operation, troops successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on Pulka and Mandaragirau communities in Gwoza Local Government Area. The encounters reportedly resulted in heavy losses for the terrorists, including the killing of a senior Boko Haram commander identified as Abou Aisha, who was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the neck.
Uba, a lieutenant-colonel, said arms and other military equipment were also recovered during the engagements. He added that there were no casualties among the troops, although some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supporting the operations lost their lives.
He noted that injured soldiers were promptly evacuated using OPHK’s Air Component and Nigerian Army aviation platforms.
Describing the actions as part of a broader strategy to choke terrorist supply routes, Uba said the troops had sustained operational momentum following recent defensive successes in Pulka and Mandaragirau.
“Troops have transitioned decisively into logistics-strangulation operations aimed at crippling terrorist networks across the theatre,” he said.
He further revealed that between the night of 14 and 16 February, terrorists launched attacks from the Sambisa Forest axis towards Pulka and Mandaragirau, but were met with fierce resistance.
According to him, the troops responded with intense gunfire, successfully containing the assaults and forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
“Sadly, some brave personnel and CJTF members paid the supreme price in defence of their positions, while a few soldiers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated by the Air Component of OPHK and Nigerian Army Aviation platforms.
“Their sacrifice reflects the highest traditions of service, courage and commitment to the defence of Nigeria,” Uba added.