Troops Neutralise Insurgents, Arrest Collaborators in Coordinated North-East Operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded fresh operational successes in ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, neutralising suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, rescuing abducted civilians, recovering arms and explosives and arresting suspected collaborators linked to terrorist activities.

The operations, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity and related military missions, targeted several insurgent enclaves and criminal hideouts across parts of Borno and Adamawa states.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force carried out coordinated offensives in the Valle, Ashigashiya and Gakara general areas.

During the operations, troops reportedly encountered suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and engaged them in a gun battle. The military disclosed that two insurgents were neutralised while several others fled towards the Ngoshe axis following sustained firepower from troops.

The military stated that the area was successfully cleared without casualties on the side of security personnel.

In another operation along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, troops intercepted suspected terrorists and engaged them in another encounter which resulted in the death of one insurgent.

Recovered items from the scene included a communication radio set and a mobile phone believed to have been used by the terrorists. The military also confirmed the rescue of an eight-year-old boy abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community.

The rescued child, identified as Abubakar Mublagha, was found during an offensive operation along the Ngoshe-Amuda corridor. He was subsequently taken for medical evaluation before being reunited with his family.

In a separate development, troops conducting operations around Uvaha village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis rescued a 20-year-old Fulani man identified as Dahiru Ahamdu. According to the military, the victim escaped from terrorist captivity following intense artillery bombardments by troops which reportedly struck insurgent camps and forced the terrorists into disarray.

The victim disclosed that he had been abducted on May 8, 2026 while grazing cattle in Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State before being taken to a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains. Following medical examination, he was later reunited with his family through community leaders.

Meanwhile, troops deployed in Buni Gari recovered a cache of arms and explosive devices abandoned by fleeing insurgents in the Magza general area after acting on credible intelligence.

Recovered items included four 40mm rocket-propelled grenade bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb and four 60mm mortar bombs. The military said the explosives were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.

The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, said to be a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Military authorities stated that the suspect is currently undergoing investigation over alleged links with terrorist groups operating within the region.

In another security operation, troops responded to a reported armed robbery attack in Garin Gwigwi village in Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed and Adamu Aliyu.

Recovered items included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quranic booklet and a locally fabricated firearm. The military also confirmed that a Dane gun earlier reported stolen during the robbery was recovered and returned to its rightful owner after proper verification.

Investigations are ongoing to track down other suspects linked to the robbery incident. Additionally, troops working alongside 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.

The military said troops across all operational sectors remain on high alert and continue to maintain aggressive offensives aimed at denying terrorists and criminal groups freedom of movement across the North-East theatre.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations targeted at defeating insurgency, restoring lasting peace and promoting socio-economic stability across the region.

Military authorities also commended troops for what they described as professionalism, resilience and sustained operational successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism.