Troops of the 73 Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside local vigilantes, have neutralised two suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an ambush operation along Tamsukawu Road behind the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State.
The operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after security personnel laid an ambush along a route believed to be frequently used by insurgents operating around Maiduguri.
According to military sources, the troops made contact with the suspected terrorists as they moved through the area, triggering a gun battle.
During the exchange of gunfire, two suspected ISWAP members were killed, while other members of the group reportedly fled into nearby bushes.
Following the operation, troops conducted a search of the surrounding area in an effort to track down the fleeing suspects. However, no further contact was made during the follow-up operation.
Military sources said the successful ambush forms part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation HADIN KAI, aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement around Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
The operation is also intended to disrupt infiltration routes and strengthen security in areas considered vulnerable to insurgent activities.
Although security agencies say the situation in the operational theatre remains under control, troops have continued to maintain a high level of vigilance due to the unpredictable nature of terrorist activities in the North-East.
The Nigerian military has sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in recent months as part of efforts to restore security across the region.
