LAGOS, Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has killed 17 Boko Haram terrorists during operations in Borno and Adamawa states, a military spokesman said.

The North East Joint Task Force's troops killed 17 Boko Haram terrorists during clearance operations in Borno and Adamawa states, said Captain Reuben Kovangiya, acting director of the Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, in a statement on Monday.

“In separate operations around Bula Daburu, Alau Dam, Bitta, Kawuri, Algambari, Ajiri, and Bulabulin, troops killed over 17 Boko Haram fighters and recovered several AK-47 rifles, a PKT gun, multiple AK-47 magazines, and a cache of 7.62 mm ammunition.

“Other logistics items recovered from the terrorists included approximately 2,300 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), over 1,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two generators, a tricycle, bags of rice, solar panels, and several motorcycles, among other sundry items.

“These operations, which included fighting patrols, ambushes, clearance missions, and logistics denial campaigns, extended across Michika LGA in Adamawa and the Borno LGAs of Bama, Konduga, Gwoza, Magumeri, and Biu,” Kovangiya said.

He added that the troops also detonated 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the terrorists in various locations.

“In a continued effort to deny Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists the freedom to operate, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by close air support from the Air Component OPHK and the Civilian Joint Task Force, sustained a series of offensive operations across the North East theatre from July 23 to August 2, 2025,” the statement reads.

Within the same period, Kovangiya said, soldiers facilitated the safe return of over 987 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes in Mandaragrau, Biu LGA.

“This aligns with the Borno State Government’s resettlement plan aimed at restoring citizens to their communities and reviving socio-economic activities,” he said.

The Boko Haram terrorists have been a major security challenge in Nigeria since 2009. The group's violent insurgency has led to thousands of deaths, displacement of millions, and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The group's activities have had a devastating impact on the country's economy, education system, and social fabric, particularly in the northeastern region.

The Nigerian military has been engaged in a fight against Boko Haram, but the conflict remains complex and challenging, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the insurgency.