According to The Punch, the Nigerian Army has successfully neutralized eight terrorists during coordinated raids in Borno and Kogi states. In Borno, troops ambushed a Boko Haram supply route, killing five insurgents, while a separate operation in Kogi led to the death of three kidnappers who had been terrorizing travelers along the Lokoja-Abuja highway. Three civilians were also rescued during these operations.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the raids were based on actionable intelligence from local communities. He noted that a significant cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), was recovered from the scenes. The military has vowed to maintain the ‘offensive momentum’ as the dry season provides better mobility for ground troops.
Validation of these victories was reported by Channels TV and Daily Post. Channels TV noted that ‘air support played a crucial role in the Borno operation,’ while Daily Post quoted a resident: ‘We feel a bit safer seeing the soldiers actively patrolling the highway again.’
Echotitbits take: Neutralizing eight terrorists is a tactical win, but the geographical spread—from Borno to Kogi—shows that the insurgency and banditry remain decentralized. The rescue of three civilians is the real highlight here, as it boosts public confidence in military ‘intelligence-led’ operations.
Source: Zagazola – https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/troops-kill-8-boko-haram-terrorists-including-2-commanders-in-borno-clash January 5, 2026
Photo Credit: Zagazola
