Nigerian Troops ‘Raid Sambisa Forest, Kill Boko Haram Terrorists, Recover Bomb-Making Materials’

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, have eliminated multiple Boko Haram insurgents and destroyed a cache of arms and ammunition during a clearance operation in Sambisa Forest.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the Army said the operation took place on May 13, 2025, following aerial reconnaissance that identified terrorist positions in Garin Baaba.

The ensuing ground assault led to the elimination of several insurgents.

It said, “Troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI conducted aerial reconnaissance, identifying enemy positions at Garin Baaba. A subsequent encounter resulted in the neutralisation of several Boko Haram terrorists.

“During the operation, troops recovered and destroyed various arms and ammunition, including: Bomb containers intended for Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) Pressure plates.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams safely detonated the explosive materials on-site.

“Clearance operations in the area are ongoing.”



A military source earlier told SaharaReporters that suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a series of sustained attacks that ultimately forced the Army to abandon its position in the Marte Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday, May 12, 2025.

The source added that after repeated offensives, the troops were finally dislodged and the area fell under ISWAP control.

The town has changed hands multiple times in recent years, becoming a symbolic and tactical prize for both ISWAP and government forces.