By Fatima Saka
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the theatre, recording major operational gains including the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspected collaborators, and voluntary surrender of a Boko Haram/ISWAP member under ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY V.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the sustained offensive operations were conducted across multiple strategic locations in Borno State and adjoining areas.
In one of the coordinated operations carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), troops engaged terrorists moving from the Yale axis toward the Sambisa Forest. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of four terrorists. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and food supplies believed to be part of the terrorists’ logistics network. No casualties were recorded on the side of the troops.
The statement further disclosed that aggressive patrols and clearance operations along key routes including Dambboa–Maiduguri, Dambboa–Gwoza, Goniri axis, and other suspected infiltration corridors have continued to disrupt terrorist movement and deny them operational freedom.
In a related development, troops stationed at Kanama arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a routine stop-and-search operation. Items recovered from them included clothing and personal effects suspected to be linked to terrorist logistics support. Preliminary investigations also uncovered digital materials indicating possible affiliation with terrorist networks. The suspects are currently in custody for further interrogation.
Similarly, troops recorded the surrender of a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP member at a military checkpoint in Kukawa Local Government Area. The individual reportedly claimed to have been abducted earlier in the year and forcibly recruited into the terrorist group. He is undergoing profiling and further investigation by relevant authorities.
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The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements in the North-East until lasting peace and stability are restored. It also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing military operations.
The military high command commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and operational success, while encouraging them to maintain the momentum in the fight against insurgency in the region.
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