By Fatima Saka
The Nigerians Troop’s of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded major operational gains under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY V and Siege Operations, including the rescue of abducted civilians, arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators, and recovery of arms and logistics across the theatre.
In a significant breakthrough, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State rescued four abducted persons—two women and two children, during a clearance operation.
The rescued victims, identified as Salamatu Sidiq Ali (19), Halima Idrisa (20), Umar Abdullahi (3), and Mustapha Abdullahi (4), were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.
Military sources disclosed that the victims had been held in a terrorist enclave but were freed following sustained pressure on insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.
After undergoing medical evaluation, the victims were reunited with their families through community leaders. The military confirmed that a total of 65 abducted persons have so far been rescued, while efforts continue to secure the release of others.
In a related development, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator, Mrs. Kellu Alhaji Abba (50), at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area. Items recovered from her included clothing materials and supplies allegedly meant for delivery to a terrorist operative in the Dumba area.
Similarly, another suspected logistics supplier, Mr. Amadu Abdu (50), was arrested along the Dalori axis while transporting packaged items reportedly destined for insurgents. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been supplying logistics to terrorists in exchange for access to grazing areas.
Recovered items from the suspect included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit substances, and cash.
Further operations led to the arrest of four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market. The suspects were found in possession of stolen livestock and are currently under investigation.
Troops also recorded the surrender of family members linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. Among them were Aishatu Sale (20), who surrendered in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar (70), who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
The surrendered individuals cited sustained military pressure and worsening living conditions within insurgent camps as reasons for their decision to flee. They are currently undergoing profiling and reintegration procedures.
In another operation, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine along a known terrorist withdrawal route, further weakening the operational capacity of insurgent groups.
The military high command commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the successes underscore the effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
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Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace, security, and economic stability in the region, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to neutralise threats and protect lives and property.
The command also urged troops to sustain the current operational tempo in the overall interest of national security.
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