MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA – Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised several terrorists, rescued two kidnapped civilians, and recovered caches of arms, ammunition, and explosives in coordinated offensives across the Northeast theatre.
The military continues to sustain offensive operations under Operation DESERT SANITY, targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds in the region.
Terrorists Neutralised in Coordinated Raids
In operations across the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara areas, troops supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) made contact with suspected insurgents. Engaging with superior firepower, soldiers neutralised two terrorists, forcing others to flee toward the Ngoshe axis. No casualties were recorded on the military side.
Separately, along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, troops intercepted and neutralised one additional insurgent, recovering a radio set and a mobile phone.
Two Kidnap Victims Rescued
In a significant humanitarian success, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor rescued an eight-year-old boy, Abubakar Mublagha, who was kidnapped during the attack on Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026. The child received medical evaluation and has been reunited with his family.
In a related development, soldiers on patrol around Uvaha, a deserted village on the Gwoza–Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old Fulani man, Dahiru Ahamdu. The victim told the military that he escaped from his captors amid heavy artillery bombardments targeting terrorist camps. The strikes neutralised two insurgents and caused panic in the enclave.
Ahamdu was originally kidnapped on 8 May 2026 while grazing cattle in Bororo village, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, and held in a hideout within the Mandara Mountains. After medical examination, he was reunited with his family through community leaders.
Explosives and Weapons Recovered
Acting on intelligence, troops at Buni Gari recovered a cache of explosives abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza area. Items recovered included four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams safely secured all devices.
Arrests of Collaborators and Criminals
In a separate operation, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator, Kuti Muhammad, who is a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). He is currently in custody for further interrogation.
Elsewhere, a swift response to an armed robbery in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, led to the arrest of three suspects: Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu. Recovered items included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet, and a locally made firearm. A stolen Dane gun was also recovered and returned to its owner.
In addition, troops working alongside local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market, seizing six rustled cattle. The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation.
Military Vows to Sustain Momentum
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action across the Northeast. Troops remain on high alert, maintaining an aggressive operational posture.
The Military High Command commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops, urging them to sustain the current momentum in the interest of national security, lasting peace, and socio-economic stability in the region.
