Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), operating under Operation Desert Sanity and other ongoing missions, have recorded major operational successes across the North-East, including the rescue of abducted civilians, the neutralisation of insurgents, and the recovery of arms and explosives.
Among the highlights is the rescue of an eight-year-old boy abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community. The victim was recovered during sustained offensive operations along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis, where troops engaged suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, neutralising two insurgents while others fled.
A statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops conducted coordinated operations in Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara general areas with support from the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to the statement, another encounter along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis led to the neutralisation of an additional insurgent, with a radio set and mobile phone recovered from the scene.
The rescued eight-year-old victim has since been medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
In a related development, troops operating around Uvaha village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani man, identified as Dahiru Ahamdu. He reportedly escaped after sustained military bombardments on terrorist positions within the Mandara Mountains.
The victim disclosed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle in Bororo village, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, and held in a terrorist hideout before escaping during the military operation. He has also been reunited with his family after medical assessment.
Elsewhere, troops based in Buni Gari recovered a cache of abandoned weapons and explosives in the Magza general area, including four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs. The items were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel.
In a separate incident, a suspected collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), was arrested over alleged links with terrorist elements and is currently undergoing investigation.
Troops also responded to an armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects: Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu. Items recovered include mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Qur’an booklet, and a locally fabricated firearm. A stolen Dane gun was also recovered and returned to its owner after verification.
In another operation, troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market, recovering six rustled cattle. The suspects are currently under preliminary investigation.
The military reaffirmed that troops across all operational areas of OPHK remain on high alert and continue aggressive operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action in the North-East theatre.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining counter-terrorism operations and restoring lasting peace and socio-economic stability in the region.
