By Fatima Saka
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have ensured the peaceful conduct of Eid el-Adha prayers across parts of Nigeria’s North-East, while sustaining intensified operations against terrorist and criminal elements in the region.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Joint Task Force (North East), the troops, operating under the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations, consolidated recent security gains by providing robust protection for worshippers during the Islamic festival.
In Ngoshe community, Borno State, troops were deployed to secure the central mosque, where they joined residents and local vigilantes for the Eid prayers. The development marks a significant shift for the area, which was previously under threat from insurgents, and reflects growing public confidence in the military’s efforts.
The statement noted that the relative calm has encouraged displaced persons to consider returning to their ancestral homes, as normalcy gradually returns to previously volatile communities. Special prayers were also offered for the Armed Forces, peace in the North-East, and national stability.
Similarly, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade ensured tight security in Gwoza town, enabling residents to observe Eid prayers without disruption. Commanders also conveyed goodwill messages from senior military leadership to frontline personnel, aimed at boosting morale and reinforcing commitment to ongoing operations.
Beyond securing religious activities, the troops recorded operational successes in separate engagements. In Biu Local Government Area, soldiers responded swiftly to intelligence on a robbery incident in Gar Gwigwi village, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu.
Recovered items included mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, cash, a dagger, and a locally fabricated firearm. The weapon was confirmed to belong to a victim, Mallam Manu Ibrahim, reportedly a member of the Miyetti Allah group, who had been robbed a day earlier. The firearm has since been returned.
In another operation, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator, Alhaji Gambo, during a routine check while attempting to enter Monguno town. He was found with vehicle spare parts and other personal effects and is currently under investigation.
Military authorities said all suspects are in custody, with ongoing efforts to dismantle wider criminal and terrorist networks across the theatre of operations.
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While noting that the security situation in the region remains “calm but unpredictable,” the command подчеркed that troops continue to demonstrate high morale, resilience, and professionalism in protecting civilians.
The Military High Command commended personnel for their performance and urged them to sustain the operational momentum to completely deny terrorists freedom of action and restore lasting peace in the North-East.
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