By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of the North East Joint Task Force ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ have successfully repelled an attack carried out by suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge local Government Area of Borno state, in which scores of the terrorists were killed.

Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice, resulting from terrorists’ Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) that hit troops’ vehicle.

Rann shares adjacent border with Cameroon Republic and is located about 196.8kms drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.

Reliable information obtained from local sources and security operatives of OPHK under the Theatre Commander, revealed that several arms, ammunition, RPG Bombs and other Explosive Ordinances were recovered during the encounter which lasted from Thursday 7th August to Friday 8th August, 2025.

“Troops of OPHK on Thursday night till early Friday morning (Today) repelled an attack on Rann Community with support from Air support neutralizing scores of the terrorists that infiltrated from Cameroon.

“Seven terrorists’ bodies have been recovered so far during exploitation and several blood trails indicative of more casualties on the side of the terrorists.

” Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice, resulting from terrorists’ RPG that hit troops’ vehicle.

“Additionally, AK47 Rifles, Magazines, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs and other Explosive Ordinances were recovered by the troops.

“Troops fighting spirit remained high, as they embarks on combing the general area of responsibility”. Sources said.

In a related development, our Correspondent gathered that same troops have intensified their crackdown on terrorists stretching from Sabsawa, Pulka – Ngoshe, Ajiri, Bulabulin forest, Bitta, Askira Uba, Damboa and Magumeri amongst others in Borno state.

These successes were recorded between 29th July to 8th August, 2025 with close air support from the Air Component OPHK and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, as well as collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The determined troops in the course of the operations, eliminated more than 19 insurgents, safely detonated over 12 IEDs, recovered many AK-47 rifles and magazines, catche of ammunition and motorcycles.

Additionally, troops also arrested suspected terrorists’ logistics suppliers, while large quantity of terrorists’ logistics was siezed by the troops.

Similarly, in support of humanitarian efforts, troops provided the needed security cover, for the successful return of over 987 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), to their ancestral community in Mandaragrau, Biu LGA.

This operation supports the Borno State Government’s resettlement plan for IDPs, as well as underscores the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and promoting stability.

The exploits highlight the renewed vigour by OPHK, in line with the directives of higher military command, to ensure terrorists are denied freedom of action, while creating an enabling environment for socio-economic activities in the North East region.

The troops have been commended for their resilience and charged to remain resolute in their mission while being assured of the support of the Military High Command in the ongoing operations against terrorism in the country.