…Terror Plot Crushed as Troops Tighten Grip on Ngoshe
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have reasserted overwhelming dominance over Ngoshe and the wider Gwoza axis of Borno State, decisively quashing insurgent threats and ensuring a calm, incident-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration across the troubled region.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army said recent claims by Boko Haram/ISWAP elements of plans to overrun Ngoshe were nothing more than propaganda designed to incite fear and exaggerate the group’s dwindling strength.
The military high command described the threats as a desperate ploy by insurgents struggling for relevance, noting that the terrorists had falsely announced intentions to storm the town and stage Sallah prayers at the Central Mosque.
Prompted by credible intelligence, troops swiftly reinforced defensive positions in the area following an attempted incursion on March 4, launching coordinated clearance operations to pre-empt any further advances by the insurgents.
Backed by aerial surveillance and actionable intelligence from vigilant residents, the troops successfully disrupted terrorist movements, neutralising several fighters and degrading their already weakened operational capacity.
The sustained offensive effectively denied the insurgents any foothold, as Ngoshe and adjoining communities remained firmly under military control throughout the festive period.
Residents, reassured by the heavy security presence, turned out in large numbers to observe Eid prayers and celebrate without disruption, a development the Army said underscored the failure of the terrorists’ intimidation tactics.
In a symbolic show of confidence, the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General N.I. Abdullahi, joined worshippers at the Ngoshe Central Mosque for Eid prayers, reinforcing the military’s assurance of safety and normalcy.
The Chief of Army Staff commended the resilience and cooperation of the local population, stressing that community support remains a critical pillar in sustaining ongoing counter-insurgency successes in the North-east.
The Army urged Nigerians to disregard insurgent propaganda, warning that such narratives are deliberate attempts by weakened groups to spread fear and undermine security gains, while reaffirming its commitment to sustained operations aimed at eliminating residual threats and restoring lasting peace in the region.