• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

Eighteen Boko Haram leaders were killed over the week during intensified operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, the military's counter-terrorism campaign in Northeast Nigeria. An additional 59 terrorist fighters were neutralised in the Northeast and other operations across the country, while troops also recovered weapons and ammunition during the week-long offensive. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this while providing an update on the military's recent operational successes between February 28 and March 6. Onoja said the top terrorist leaders killed include Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago, Ba Alayi Benbem -- all senior figures -- and Hussaini Ubaida. According to the Defence spokesperson, 24 kidnap victims were rescued, while weapons recovered from the terrorists included anti-tank bombs, locally made mortar bombs, armed drones, and materials used for manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Providing updates on operations in other theatres, Onoja said troops of Operations Fansan Yamma and Savannah Shield arrested terrorists and their collaborators. He said one suspect was apprehended with military-related accoutrements in Gobirawa Challi village in Zamfara State, while another was arrested with IED-making materials in Rogun Forest, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. He said, "Over 17 terrorists were neutralized during the encounter, while several others were observed fleeing the forest with severe injuries. "Clearance and follow-on operations are ongoing to locate, engage, and eliminate the remaining terrorist elements in the general area. "To consolidate these gains and prevent the re-establishment of criminal sanctuaries, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD has intensified fighting patrols deep into forested zones in close collaboration with the state government. "These sustained operations focus on areas historically exploited as hideouts and transit routes for terrorists, thereby enhancing overall security and enabling humanitarian access." Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/troops-kill-18-boko-haram-leaders-59-others-in-one-week/