Troops Ambush Boko Haram Tax Collectors in Borno, Recover AK-47, Pistol

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 226 Battalion under Sector 4, Operation HADIN KAI, have disrupted a Boko Haram tax collection mission, forcing the terrorists to flee and recovering weapons and ammunition during a successful ambush operation in Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that pockets of Boko Haram terrorists were moving within the battalion’s area of responsibility to collect illegal levies from herders.

Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 226 Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, laid an ambush along the Gaba–Dzangola high ground in Guyaku District at about 11:15 p.m. on Aug. 6.

The sources said contact was established with the terrorists at about 4:42 a.m. on Aug. 7, triggering a firefight that forced the insurgents to abandon their mission and retreat into the surrounding terrain in disarray.

A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol and three rounds of 9mm ammunition.

No casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.

Military sources said the ambush is part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorists freedom of movement and disrupt their illegal taxation network, which has long served as a source of funding and sustenance for insurgent activities in parts of Borno State.

The troops successfully concluded the operation and returned safely to base after clearing the area.