Troops storm suspected Boko Haram hideouts in Yobe, intensify hunt for terrorists

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have carried out a clearance operation on suspected terrorist hideouts in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State as part of ongoing efforts to prevent insurgents from regrouping in the North-East.

The operation was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama. 

According to the report, troops of B Company, Kanama, 159 Task Force Battalion, supported by personnel of the National Forest Guards, launched the operation at about 2:10pm on August 1 after receiving intelligence about the suspected movement and convergence of terrorists within the area.

The report said the troops, travelling in one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle and three gun trucks, advanced to Garin Gada and Bulagra villages to clear the locations and deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Although the troops did not encounter any suspected terrorists during the operation, they conducted extensive searches of the identified locations to disrupt possible terrorist activities and prevent the establishment of new hideouts.

According to Makama, residents of both communities told the troops that there were no active Boko Haram camps within the immediate area.

However, the locals disclosed that suspected insurgents occasionally passed through the villages for administrative and logistical activities.

“The communities confirmed there were no Boko Haram camps in the immediate vicinity but noted that terrorist elements occasionally transit through the area for administrative and logistical purposes,” Makama said.

After completing the clearance exercise, the troops safely returned to their base at about 4:37pm, according to the report.

Military sources said the raid was part of Operation HADIN KAI’s ongoing offensive to prevent terrorists from regrouping across the North-East.

They added that while the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm, troops have continued to maintain a high level of operational readiness to respond to emerging threats.