PICTORIAL: Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Rescue Victims, Recover Arms, Ammunition, Explosives In North-East

The Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), operating under Operation DESERT SANITY and related missions, have recorded significant operational successes across the theatre of OPHK, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of abducted persons, recovery of arms, ammunition, explosive ordnance, and arrest of criminal collaborators.

In sustained offensive operations, troops of OPHK supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) conducted coordinated offensives in the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara general areas in North-East.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, on Saturday, said during the operations, troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, neutralising two insurgents while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis.

“The area was subsequently cleared, with no casualties recorded among own troops. Similarly, troops operating along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis intercepted suspected terrorists and engaged them effectively, neutralising one insurgent. Items recovered from the encounter include a radio set and a mobile phone.

“Further demonstrating operational effectiveness, troops conducting offensive operations along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor rescued an 8-year-old boy abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community. The victim, identified as Abubakar Mublagha, was medically evaluated and reunited with his family. In a related development, troops of OPHK conducting operation around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani male identified as Dahiru Ahamdu.

“The victim disclosed that he escaped from his captors following intense artillery bombardments by troops which struck terrorist camps, neutralised two insurgents, and created panic within the enclave. He further revealed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and subsequently held in a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains. The victim has since undergone medical examination and was successfully reunited with his family through community leadership,” the Spokesman stated.

Also, in a separate operation, troops of OPHK deployed at Buni Gari, acting on credible intelligence, recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and explosive ordnance abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza general area. Items recovered included four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs.

“The explosives were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. In another development, troops of OPHK arrested a suspected collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), over alleged links with terrorist elements. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation,” he added.

Similarly, troops of OPHK swiftly responded to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu. Items recovered included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet, and a locally made firearm.

Lit. Col. Uba said a dane gun earlier reported stolen was recovered and returned to its rightful owner after verification, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.

“Additionally, troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market with six rustled cattle. The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

“Troops across all operational areas of OPHK continue to maintain high vigilance and an aggressive operational posture aimed at denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action within the North East theatre. The Joint Task Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at defeating terrorism, restoring lasting security, peace, and promoting socio-economic stability across the North East region. The Military High Command commends the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational successes, urging them to maintain the current momentum in the collective interest of national security,” he stated.

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