By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational successes in the ongoing counterterrorism campaign across the North East, rescuing abducted civilians, reuniting victims with their families, and arresting suspected terrorist collaborators during coordinated operations under Operation DESERT SANITY.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains successfully rescued six abducted women and children during a coordinated operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on May 12, 2026.
The rescued victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya.
The statement disclosed that the victims were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the community on March 3, 2026.
Following the successful rescue operation, the victims were reportedly given immediate medical attention at a military medical facility before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe community, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In a separate operation conducted on the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 location in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State arrested a suspected terrorist associate identified as Hauwa Bulama, 40, during an operational engagement.
Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes.
Preliminary investigations, according to the military, revealed that the suspect was allegedly travelling to Gezuwa to establish contact with four of her children believed to be members of the terrorist group.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated that the suspect has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
The statement further disclosed that troops of OPHK under Sector 2, supported by elements of Military Intelligence, also carried out a follow-up intelligence-driven operation in Damaturu, Yobe State, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17.
The arrests were reportedly linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was apprehended while allegedly finalising arrangements to supply ammunition to terrorists.
Military authorities revealed that preliminary findings indicated that Adiza had been tasked with collecting ammunition from the earlier suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East region.
The Military High Command also commended troops for what it described as their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism.
