By Palang Paul
Nigerian troops have killed more than 27 terrorists, including a top lieutenant to terror kingpin Kachalla Muhammadu Fila, in coordinated weekend operations across three northern states.
The military disclosed this in separate operational updates covering engagements in Borno, Katsina and Plateau states between August 28 and 30, 2026.
In Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai dealt a major blow to terrorists after repelling an attack on the 101 Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa Local Government Area.
The terrorists launched the attack at about 10:50 p.m. on August 28, but troops responded with heavy direct and indirect fire, forcing the attackers to abandon their assault and retreat towards the Cross Kauwa axis.
Several terrorists were reportedly wounded as they fled, while subsequent ground operations led to the recovery of terrorist corpses and other items.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the Air Component was immediately deployed after the fleeing terrorists were observed withdrawing on motorcycles.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the air component struck terrorists who had taken cover beneath trees, killing an estimated 10 fighters.
Goni said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets of the Multi-National Joint Task Force later tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.
Acting on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted a follow-up precision strike, killing another 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles.
Ground troops subsequently exploited the area, recovering two motorcycles, neutralising another terrorist and seizing assorted ammunition and other military items.
According to Goni, the combined ground and air operation successfully disrupted the terrorist attack, blocked the fighters’ withdrawal and further weakened their ability to regroup or launch sustained operations in the area.
He added that troops were immediately resupplied with essential combat equipment as they reorganised and continued with extensive exploitation of the area.
Four military personnel sustained injuries during the encounter, although none was life-threatening. The wounded soldiers were evacuated by air for medical treatment and were later confirmed to be in stable condition.
Terrorist Kingpin’s Lieutenant Eliminated in Katsina
In Katsina State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma eliminated a key member of the network of terrorist kingpin Kachalla Muhammadu Fila during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area.
The terrorist, identified as “Smally” and described by the military as Fila’s lieutenant, was killed during a fierce encounter with troops on August 29.
The operation also yielded significant weapons and logistics recoveries, including three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed that Smally was eliminated during the operation targeting terrorist enclaves in the area.
Arms Courier Neutralised in Plateau
In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted and neutralised a suspected terrorist arms courier during a stop-and-search operation in Wase Local Government Area.
The suspect was travelling in a green Golf vehicle with registration number DKA-808XM when troops intercepted the vehicle.
According to the operation’s spokesperson, Capt. Chinonso Oteh, troops discovered a concealed and specially fabricated compartment inside the dashboard of the vehicle.
When the driver was ordered to open the compartment, he allegedly refused and fled into a nearby bush.
Troops pursued and apprehended him, but Oteh said the suspect attempted to disarm one of the soldiers and was subsequently neutralised.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered two AK-47 rifles, one magazine, two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, a mobile phone and an ATM card.
The latest operations underscore the military’s continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, cut off their weapons and logistics supply chains and prevent fighters from regrouping across Nigeria’s northern region.
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