Troops of Operation Desert Sanity IV and Lake Sanity III have killed four fighters of the Islamic State of the West African Province, ISWAP, and rescued two kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in the Gajiram area of Borno State.
The development was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama via his X handle. According to the report, the encounter occurred around 2:35 p.m. on Thursday along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna road in Nganzai Local Government Area.
Sources said the troops, comprising 16 soldiers and eight members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, came under attack by the terrorists at Zundur general area but engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“Four terrorists were neutralised during the exchange of fire, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” a military source said.
During the operation, the troops rescued two kidnapped victims identified as Modu Kinnami (55) and Bukar (57), both residents of Guzamala Local Government Area.
Preliminary findings revealed that the insurgents had earlier demanded N2 million and two new mobile phones as ransom for the victims’ release.
Items recovered from the scene included a blue pickup vehicle with registration number GUB 327 XA, two new Tecno phones, a jerrycan containing 30 litres of petrol, and a cash sum of N4,355,000.
The source added that the security situation in the area remains calm but tense, as troops continue aggressive patrols to prevent further terrorist incursions.
