By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have sustained their operational momentum in the North East, intensifying logistics strangulation operations and recovering N37 million suspected to be linked to terrorist financing, in a decisive push to cripple insurgents’ supply and sustainment networks.
The development follows recent successful defensive engagements in Pulka and Madara-Girau, as troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) transitioned into deliberate operations specifically designed to deny terrorists freedom of movement and dismantle their logistics and financial support architecture across the theatre.
The Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed in an official statement on Monday, 16 February 2026, that the coordinated actions underscore the resolve of the operation to maintain the initiative and systematically weaken terrorist elements operating within the region.
According to him, troops of Sector 1, working in close collaboration with Vigilante Forces, executed a well-coordinated night ambush along a known terrorist crossing route frequently used by ISWAP elements transiting from the Cameroon axis into Nigeria.
The terrorists, unaware of the troops’ concealed tactical deployment, ran into effective enfilade fire and were forced to withdraw in disarray.
“Subsequent exploitation of the contact area led to the recovery of a sizeable cache of critical logistics supplies assessed to be intended for terrorist resupply operations. The interception significantly disrupts the terrorists’ sustainment capacity and operational reach within the area. Troops remain in firm control of the general area and are conducting further exploitation operations to consolidate gains,” he said.
In a related development, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base Chabbal Checkpoint intercepted a suspicious vehicle conveying five occupants.
A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately Thirty-Seven Million Naira (₦37,000,000.00) carefully concealed in bags, alongside multiple mobile phones suspected to be linked to terrorist financing and coordination activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba described the interception as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle financial conduits suspected to be supporting terrorist logistics and operational activities within the theatre.
He noted that the coordinated operations reflect Operation Hadin Kai’s proactive strategy of tightening the noose on terrorist supply chains by simultaneously targeting both physical movement corridors and financial enablers.
“The sustained pressure across key transit routes and support networks reflects a deliberate approach to weaken terrorist elements from within and limit their capacity to regenerate combat power,” he added.
The Military High Command commended the vigilance, professionalism, and resilience of the troops and collaborating security agencies, noting that their morale and fighting efficiency remain high despite the challenging operational environment.
The statement emphasized that the troops remains resolute in its mandate to frustrate terrorist ambitions and restore enduring peace, security, and economic stability across the North East region.
