Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated Boko Haram attack on Monguno and Bitta communities in Borno State in the early hours of July 24, 2025, neutralizing several insurgents, including a senior commander identified as Ibn Khalid and the group’s cameraman.
The military engagement, which began around 2:30 AM, involved fierce gun battles as the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Lake Chad region. Theater Commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar reported that the operation resulted in the deaths of 17 additional terrorists across Sambisa Forest, Madagali in Adamawa, and Kaga in Borno, with traces of blood along retreat routes suggesting an unspecified number escaped with injuries.
The troops recovered a significant cache of weapons, including 7.62mm special ammunition, AK-47 magazines, a Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb, and a camcorder used by the terrorists to document their activities. Military sources described the cameraman’s role as critical for propaganda, with the device now under analysis for intelligence value.
While the operation is hailed as a success, questions linger about the effectiveness of such engagements, given Boko Haram’s resilience despite repeated setbacks. The lack of precise casualty figures and the escape of injured fighters highlight ongoing challenges, with some analysts suggesting the group’s adaptability, using media to sustain morale, may outpace military containment efforts.