By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intensified coordinated offensive operations across the theatre under Operation DESERT SANITY V, recording a series of operational successes including the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspected collaborators, and the surrender of a terrorist fighter.
According to an official signed statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the latest operations underscore sustained efforts by troops to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them freedom of movement across the North East corridor.
The statement disclosed that in a successful joint operation conducted alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), troops engaged terrorists who were moving from Yale towards the Sambisa Forest axis. During the encounter, four terrorists were neutralised. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, alongside food supplies suspected to be part of terrorist logistics support. The operation was concluded without any casualties recorded on the side of the troops, who safely returned to base.
In another series of coordinated offensives, troops maintained aggressive domination of key infiltration routes including the Dambboa–Maiduguri, Dambboa–Gwoza, Goniri axis, and other strategic corridors. These operations, according to the statement, effectively denied terrorist elements freedom of movement and disrupted their attempted infiltration and resupply activities.
In a related development, troops deployed at Kanama arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a routine stop-and-search operation. The suspects were reportedly found with items including clothing and personal effects believed to be linked to terrorist logistics support networks. Preliminary interrogation also uncovered digital materials suspected to indicate possible affiliation with terrorist groups. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
Furthermore, troops recorded a notable surrender at a checkpoint in Kukawa Local Government Area, where a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP member voluntarily turned himself in. The individual reportedly claimed he had been abducted earlier in the year and coerced into joining the terrorist group. He is presently undergoing profiling and further debriefing by relevant authorities.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace, security, and economic stability across the North East region, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing operations.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and operational effectiveness, while urging them to sustain the current tempo in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.
