Esther Oseyiomon
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded fresh operational gains in ongoing counterterrorism operations across the North-East, rescuing abducted women and children, reuniting families, and arresting suspected terrorist collaborators linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP networks.
The operations, conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY, targeted terrorist movement corridors and logistics networks across parts of Borno and Yobe states.
Military authorities disclosed that troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains successfully rescued six abducted civilians during a coordinated operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on May 12.
The rescued victims identified as Aisha Musa, Aisha Mohammed, Fatima Yahaya, Saudatu Musa, Garba Mohammed, and infant Mohammed Yahaya were reportedly abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.
According to the military, the victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility where they received treatment before being reunited with their families through the community leader of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
Security sources said the rescue operation formed part of intensified efforts by troops to track terrorist movements and recover civilians held in captivity within remote border communities and mountainous enclaves.
In a separate operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, troops deployed at Tango 7 location arrested a suspected terrorist associate identified as Hauwa Bulama during an operational engagement.
Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, torchlight batteries, and food seasoning cubes believed to be supplies intended for terrorist elements.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was allegedly on her way to Gezuwa community to establish contact with four of her children suspected to be members of the terrorist group.
Meanwhile, troops under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside military intelligence operatives, also arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura and Adiza in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The arrests followed ongoing investigations linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier identified as Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol.
Military sources revealed that preliminary findings showed that Adiza had allegedly been assigned to collect ammunition from the courier for onward delivery to a terrorist commander operating within the region.
The suspects are currently in custody while efforts continue to track the identified terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist networks across the North-East, stressing that troops remain focused on rescuing abducted civilians, dismantling logistics chains, and restoring lasting peace to affected communities.
The military high command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational pressure against insurgent elements across the theatre.