The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded another series of operational successes across the North East, including the rescue of abductees, the repulsion of an ISWAP attack on a military base, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, and the recovery of arms, cash and other items linked to terrorist activities.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops have sustained aggressive search-and-rescue missions, intelligence-led operations and coordinated security efforts aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of action across the theatre.
The statement disclosed that on 7 July 2026, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion conducting Search and Rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State rescued two additional abductees from a terrorist hideout. During the operation, the troops recovered ₦1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations. The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location, where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support.
In another major operation, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State under Sector 1 successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists. Although the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense exchange of fire, the troops quickly regrouped, launched a counter-offensive and forced the attackers to retreat after inflicting heavy casualties. The statement, however, noted that one soldier was killed in action, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged during the engagement. Reinforcements have since been deployed to the location, while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures are ongoing.
The statement further revealed that troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, arrested a notorious criminal. Follow-up operations led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue to identify other members of the criminal network.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies suspected to have been intended for terrorist elements. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.
In Wulgo, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a clearance operation on known terrorist enclaves. During the exercise, they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents, further disrupting terrorist activities in the area.
Operation HADIN KAI also disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members surrendered alongside their families to troops of the 192 Battalion under Sector 1. Preliminary investigations indicated that they fled from the Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area. Troops recovered a total of ₦1,541,500, two Tecno mobile phones and other items from the surrendered individuals.
In a related development, troops at the Molai checkpoint intercepted and arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier found transporting large quantities of medical supplies without the required clearance. The suspect and the recovered items are in custody for further investigation.
Also, in Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area. The suspect was intercepted with five motorcycle tyres believed to have been intended for terrorist elements and is currently undergoing investigation.
Captain Goni stated that the latest operational achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and close collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks, disrupting criminal activities and protecting communities across the North East.
He reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to ongoing Search and Rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families. He also warned individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any form of logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorist elements would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
