Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 185 Battalion, in collaboration with the Military Police, Department of State Services and local vigilantes, have neutralised an IPOB/ESN operative during an offensive operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following intelligence on suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village, within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.

According to a military situation update obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops launched a dawn assault on the identified positions, forcing the terrorists to flee while engaging the advancing troops with gunfire.

The troops pursued the fleeing fighters and followed blood stains along their withdrawal route. One of the terrorists was subsequently neutralised, while the fleeing members of the group reportedly escaped with the corpse of another operative killed during the operation.

Troops recovered two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices, alongside other sundry items.

However, the operation suffered a fatal setback when a soldier, identified as Private Danladi Zakariya, stepped on an IED while troops were returning to their start line.

The explosive detonated in situ, causing severe injuries to the soldier. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital but unfortunately died from severe blood loss while being transported.

His remains have been deposited at the St. Charles Borromeo Hospital mortuary in Onitsha.

Despite the loss, the troops maintained control of the area and continued offensive operations against the suspected IPOB/ESN elements.

The military said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as operations continued to deny the terrorists freedom of action within the area.

Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive

Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Battalion, operating under Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno State.

The suspects were apprehended at about 7:52 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, after surveillance personnel attached to the battalion’s CCTV system spotted them within the frontage of the military location.

A military Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama identified the suspects as Umar Mohammed, 60; Abubakar Goni, 42; Abba Ali, 39; Umaru Yusuf, 30; and Ibrahim Bukar.

Following the sighting, troops were immediately mobilised and successfully apprehended the five suspects.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the route used by the suspects had been identified as a Boko Haram terrorist logistics axis where troops routinely conduct strangulation operations aimed at disrupting the movement of fighters, weapons, food and other supplies.

During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be charcoal workers and baobab fruit pickers.

The military said the suspects were being profiled and would subsequently be handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.

The development forms part of sustained intelligence-led operations by troops to identify and disrupt terrorist logistics networks operating within the North-East.

The military further stated that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.

Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno

Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Truck Along Gajiram-Mairari Road

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have foiled an attempted attack by terrorists on commuters along the Gajiram-Mairari axis of Borno State.

The incident occurred at about 10:21 a.m. on Friday, August 21, when troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, conducting a picketing operation along the Gajiram-Mairari Main Supply Route, observed suspected terrorists riding motorcycles emerging from a nearby bush.

According to a military Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the terrorists opened fire on a trailer truck, damaging one of its tyres with small-arms fire.

The troops immediately responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their attack and flee into the surrounding area.

During the attack, the truck’s seat and side mirror were also damaged.

The troops subsequently assisted the driver and successfully extricated the vehicle from the scene, before returning to base at about 2:30 p.m.

The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.

The incident underscores the continued threat posed by terrorists along major supply routes in the North-East, as security forces sustain patrols and protective operations to safeguard commuters and critical road networks.

Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Truck Along Gajiram-Mairari Road