Esther Oseyiomon
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational gains across the North-East, successfully repelling a coordinated terrorist attack, arresting suspected Boko Haram collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims and receiving the surrender of a terrorist associate amid intensified military offensives in the region.
In one of the major operations, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajibo thwarted a large-scale attack launched by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists who advanced toward the town on motorcycles from multiple directions under heavy armed support.
Military sources said the attackers were detected early, prompting troops to respond with overwhelming firepower, including mortar bombardments that disrupted the assault and forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation operations conducted around the area led to the recovery of ammunition and other combat accessories abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Notably, no casualties were recorded among the troops during the encounter, underscoring what military authorities described as the effectiveness and preparedness of forces operating within the theatre.
In related operations, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Gubio town.
The suspects, identified as cattle rearers, are currently in military custody undergoing further investigation over alleged links to terrorist activities within the area.
Similarly, troops acting on intelligence obtained from a surrendered terrorist associate arrested a suspected logistics supplier identified as Umar Ahmadu in Gwoza.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied food items and other materials to terrorist elements on several occasions. He is currently being interrogated by security operatives.
In another development, a 17-year-old family member of a terrorist surrendered to troops along the Gwoza–Limankara axis after reportedly escaping from a terrorist enclave located within the Mandara Mountains.
Military sources said the teenager cited sustained military pressure, worsening living conditions and lack of basic necessities within the enclave as factors that influenced his decision to flee and surrender.
Troops also recorded success in ongoing rescue operations after intercepting and rescuing two male victims abducted from Mafa town.
The victims reportedly escaped from captivity under poor visibility conditions before encountering troops, who secured and evacuated them for medical evaluation and further support.
Military authorities said the series of coordinated operations reflects the sustained pressure being mounted against terrorist networks, particularly targeting their movement corridors, logistics chains and support structures across the North-East theatre.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed that troops remain on high alert and continue to maintain an aggressive operational posture aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action within the region.
Operation HADIN KAI further assured residents of its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until terrorism is fully defeated and lasting peace, security and economic stability are restored across the North-East.