Troops Intercept Terror Financing Network, Repel Boko Haram Attacks in Gwoza

The Joint Task Force (JTF) has announced the interception of a vehicle suspected of facilitating terrorist financing, as well as the successful repulsion of coordinated attacks by insurgents in parts of Borno State.

In a statement issued on Monday, JTF spokesperson Sani Uba said the operation was carried out through the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbal Checkpoint as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle financial and logistical networks supporting terrorist groups in the North East.

According to Uba, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying five occupants during routine patrols along known terrorist transit routes. He described the operation as a significant breakthrough in efforts to disrupt financial channels suspected of aiding terrorist logistics and operational activities.

In a related development, troops also foiled coordinated attacks by terrorists on Pulka and Mandaragirau communities in Gwoza Local Government Area. During the engagements, security forces reportedly inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents, including neutralising a senior Boko Haram commander identified as Abou Aisha, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the neck.

Uba, a lieutenant-colonel, said troops recovered a cache of weapons and equipment during the operations. He added that there were no casualties among military personnel, although some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who supported the mission lost their lives.

He disclosed that injured soldiers were swiftly evacuated through the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and Nigerian Army aviation platforms for medical attention.

Describing the operations as part of a broader strategy to cripple insurgent networks, Uba said the military had transitioned from defensive operations in Pulka and Mandaragirau to targeted efforts aimed at strangling terrorist logistics and restricting their freedom of movement.

He further revealed that between February 14 and 16, terrorists launched attacks from the Sambisa Forest axis on the two communities. However, troops engaged them in intense firefights, successfully containing the assaults and forcing the attackers to retreat.

While acknowledging the loss of some personnel and CJTF members in the line of duty, Uba praised their bravery, stating that their sacrifice reflected the highest standards of courage and commitment to the defence of Nigeria.