Troops Kill Terrorists, Arrest Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Security forces conducting counter-insurgency and internal security operations in Borno State have recorded two separate operational successes involving the neutralisation of terrorists and the arrest of suspected cattle rustlers, military sources have confirmed.
In the first incident, troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush in Konduga Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out under Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations, took place at about 11:05 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at Bazamri village, a known crossing point used by elements of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Security sources disclosed that the ambush team engaged the terrorists after intercepting their movement, resulting in the elimination of two insurgents. Following the encounter, troops conducted a follow-up exploitation of the area, recovering logistics items believed to be intended for insurgent use. The recovered supplies included 54 packs of 80-gram detergent, 32 packs of 500-gram salt, and one carton of spaghetti.
Military authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded among the troops. The ambush unit subsequently redeployed to alternate positions and continued surveillance operations as part of ongoing offensive actions aimed at disrupting terrorist mobility across the theatre.
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In a separate operation, troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba arrested three suspected cattle rustlers in the Karnuwa general area of the state.
The operation followed actionable intelligence provided by a local informant, identified as Malam Muhammadu Ardo, regarding cattle rustling activities in the vicinity. Acting on the report, troops mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, where they apprehended the suspects.
The arrested individuals were identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha (28), Mallam Mamman Bukar (18), and Malam Modu Hassan (30). They were intercepted while reportedly operating a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly used in transporting stolen livestock.
Recovered from the suspects were a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards, and N20,650 in cash. The rustled cattle were recovered and returned to their rightful owners at the point of arrest.
Preliminary investigation reportedly indicated that the suspects admitted involvement in repeated cattle thefts and sales to buyers in Maiduguri. Security sources also noted that investigators are examining possible links to terrorist networks, including ISWAP or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), based on inconsistencies observed during interrogation.
Military authorities reaffirmed that ongoing operations across Borno State remain active, with troops maintaining sustained pressure on both insurgent groups and criminal networks operating within the region.
By PRNigeria
