By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
MAIDUGURI — Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled an ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Buni Gari-Buratai road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly ambushed the troops at about 10:45 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, while they were conducting operations along the route.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle belonging to the troops ran over an improvised explosive device, IED, during the encounter, damaging two of its tyres.
He said the troops subsequently exploited the ambush site and recovered an AK-47 magazine, 30 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, two RPG bombs, one motorcycle and two bicycles.
Goni said no casualty was recorded, adding that the troops had continued operations to dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
Four terrorist family members surrender
In a related development, four family members of suspected terrorists, including an eight-month-old infant, have surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion along the Gwoza-Limankara road in Borno State.
The group reportedly surrendered at about 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, September 6.
According to military sources, preliminary investigations showed that the four individuals escaped from the Hiduwa terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza Local Government Area.
The sources said the surrendered persons told troops that a lack of basic necessities in the enclave forced them to flee and seek safety.
The individuals and the infant are currently in the custody of the troops undergoing screening and further investigation.
Troops detonate IED on Damboa-Maiduguri road
Meanwhile, troops of the 19 Battalion, deployed under 25 Brigade, have safely detonated an IED planted by suspected terrorists along the Damboa-Bulabulin-Maiduguri road in Damboa Local Government Area.
The explosive device was discovered at about 12:07 p.m. on Monday during a road-dominance patrol and escort operation for civilian vehicles.
The troops reportedly found the IED around Asorok, shortly before Bulabulin, where it had been buried by suspected terrorists.
The area was immediately secured before the explosive was safely detonated, averting possible casualties and damage to civilian and military vehicles using the route.
Following the clearance of the threat, the troops continued their movement towards the checkpoint at Kumala.
Troops arrest suspected Cameroonian
Also, troops of 25 Brigade, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, have arrested a suspected foreign national along the Azir-Damboa road in Borno State.
Military sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 5:55 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, following information from local residents about the movement of a suspected foreigner along the route.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly identified himself as a Cameroonian national.
He allegedly told the troops that he entered Nigeria through Taraba State and was travelling towards Niger State in search of artisanal work but lost his way.
The suspect remains in military custody as authorities investigate his identity, travel history and circumstances surrounding his presence in the area.
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