By Fatima Saka
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded significant breakthroughs in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, including the rescue of abducted civilians and the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators across the region.
According to a press statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the successes were achieved under Operation DESERT SANITY.
In one of the major operations, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains rescued six abducted women and children at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on May 12, 2026.
The rescued victims—Aisha Musa (18), Aisha Mohammed (17), Fatima Yahaya (20), Saudatu Musa (4), Garba Mohammed (5), and Mohammed Yahaya (3 months)—were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an ആക്രമ attack on March 3, 2026.
The statement noted that the victims were immediately provided medical care at a military facility before being reunited with their families through the community leader (Bulama) of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In a related development, troops deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama (40), during an operation on the same day. Items recovered from her included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and seasoning cubes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly on her way to Gezuwa to meet four of her children suspected to be members of a terrorist group. She has since been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Similarly, troops under Sector 2, supported by Military Intelligence, arrested two additional suspects, Bakura (18) and Adiza (17), in Damaturu, Yobe State. Their arrest followed intelligence linked to an earlier interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol.
Investigations indicated that Adiza had been assigned to collect ammunition from the courier for delivery to a terrorist commander. The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the commander and recover the intended ammunition.
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The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted persons, and restoring peace in the North-East.
The Military High Command also commended troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational momentum.
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