By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted a terrorist attack, neutralised insurgents and rescued three abducted children in coordinated offensive and stabilisation operations across the North East theatre.
The operations, conducted between February 20 and 21, 2026, highlight the military’s sustained pressure on terrorist elements operating in Borno State and other parts of the region.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops of Sector 1 recorded a major success while on fighting patrol around Sabsawa village.
During the patrol, the troops made contact with suspected terrorists belonging to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad and Islamic State West Africa Province (JAS/ISWAP). The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray.
“During exploitation, five terrorists were neutralised,” the statement said.
In another development, troops deployed at Ngurosoye under Sector 1 successfully rescued three abducted children during a perimeter patrol in Bama Local Government Area.
The rescued victims were identified as Abba Abba, 12; Fatima Abba, 8; and Aisha Abba, 6.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the children were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye.
The military authorities confirmed that the rescued children have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further necessary action and reunification process.
In a related development, troops also recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old suspected terrorist, identified as Abubakar Abubakar, at Geidam in Yobe State. The suspect is currently in military custody undergoing profiling and investigation.
The statement further disclosed that troops across other sectors of the operation have maintained an aggressive posture, conducting offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, vigilantes and local hunters to deny terrorists freedom of movement and operational space.
All operations were said to be largely hitch-free, while exploitation and monitoring activities remain ongoing across the theatre.
The military high command commended the troops for their sustained morale, resilience and combat efficiency, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces will continue to sustain the operational tempo until terrorist elements are completely defeated.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace, security and economic stability in the North East region.
