By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have intensified ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North East, rescuing more abducted civilians, neutralising terrorists and arresting suspected collaborators linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP activities in the region.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the successes were recorded during sustained operations under Operation DESERT SANITY.
The statement disclosed that troops, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a clearance operation along the Mandara Mountains axis at a suspected terrorist crossing point on the Amuda–Gava corridor on May 14, 2026.
During the operation, troops successfully rescued six abducted women and children from Ngoshe community who had been held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
The rescued victims were identified as Amina Salihu, 52; Aishatu Musa, 50; twin sisters Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, both aged nine; Adamu Zakariyya, 12; and Usman Zakariyya, 10.
The victims were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, and given immediate medical attention at the Brigade Medical Reception Station before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Bulama Kunda, and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, Mallam Auwalu Hudu.
Brigadier General Abdullahi assured residents that troops would sustain ongoing rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
The military disclosed that a total of 60 women and children have so far been rescued since the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.
The Chief Imam of Ngoshe also offered prayers for the success of troops as military operations continue across the area.
In separate coordinated offensives within the theatre, troops recorded additional gains in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, where insurgents were neutralised during aggressive clearance operations.
Troops of Sector 1 operating at Bazamri village reportedly killed two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and recovered logistics items including detergent, salt and a carton of spaghetti believed to have been meant for insurgent camps.
The military confirmed that no casualty was recorded among troops during the operation, adding that personnel have since repositioned to maintain offensive pressure on fleeing terrorists.
Meanwhile, troops deployed at Mainé checkpoint in Yobe State arrested a suspected Boko Haram collaborator identified as Ibrahim Alhaji Julo, 30, during a stop-and-search operation based on credible intelligence.
He was intercepted while driving a red Golf vehicle with registration number KTG-397AA from Bauchi State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly used the vehicle to transport terrorist elements and facilitate illegal tax collection within local communities.
Items recovered from him included a mobile phone and cash exhibits, while the suspect remains in custody for further investigation.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians and restoring lasting peace, security and economic stability across the North East.
The military high command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience and continued operational successes in the fight against insurgency.
