By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have sustained intensified offensive operations across the North East Theatre, recording major operational successes including the foiling of terrorist attacks, neutralisation of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, arrest of criminal collaborators, recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as the rescue and reunion of abducted civilians with their families.
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 achieved a significant breakthrough along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State after surveillance systems detected the movement of large numbers of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attempting coordinated attacks.
The statement disclosed that troops swiftly engaged the terrorists with heavy offensive fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray, while Quick Response Forces pursued the fleeing insurgents and inflicted heavy casualties on them. During the operation, troops recovered 169 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, with no casualty recorded among own troops.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba further revealed that troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, carried out a successful ambush operation around Kasaicia village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State based on credible intelligence.
He said the operation led to the neutralisation of four Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, while two AK-47 rifles with empty magazines were recovered from the insurgents.
The statement added that troops of Sector 1 OPHK also foiled another terrorist attack along the Kirawa axis, inflicting severe casualties on the attackers while maintaining firm control of the area.
In continuation of sustained clearance operations, troops conducted coordinated offensives across several locations including the Damboa–Kanama axis, Damboa–Gwoza route, Goniri axis, and Forward Operating Base Azir, effectively restricting terrorists’ movement and consolidating operational dominance within key corridors of the Theatre.
On counter-criminal operations, the statement noted that troops arrested three suspected armed robbers at Gar Gwigwi village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State following actionable intelligence.
Recovered items included mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, a dagger, cash, and a dane gun, which was later returned to its rightful owner after proper verification. The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.
Similarly, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator in Monguno, while another operation in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State led to the arrest of a suspected drug peddler found with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.
The Theatre also recorded further successes in rescue operations as troops rescued additional abducted civilians along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis, bringing the total number of rescued victims from the Ngoshe incident to 69.
In another development, troops rescued a kidnapped civilian within the Gwoza axis. The victim reportedly escaped from terrorist captivity due to sustained military pressure and bombardment of terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba disclosed that four civilians earlier rescued through collaboration with cross-border partners were formally received, medically treated, documented, and reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 OPHK in Damaturu, Yobe State, commemorated the Eid-el-Adha celebration with a special Sallah event hosted by the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Edet Effiong.
The event, attended by troops, dignitaries, community leaders, and patients of the Level II Field Hospital, was aimed at boosting troops’ morale and strengthening civil-military relations within the Theatre.
The Sector Commander commended troops for their sacrifices and dedication to duty, urging them to remain disciplined, resilient, and committed to ongoing operations.
The statement further disclosed that troops recovered additional arms, ammunition, bombs, improvised explosive devices, and logistics items abandoned by fleeing terrorists during aggressive clearance operations conducted in the Magza general area and other locations.
The Theatre Command reassured residents of the North East of its unwavering commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, protecting civilians, and restoring lasting peace, security, and economic stability across the region.
It added that the recent operational successes demonstrate the resolve, professionalism, and resilience of troops of Operation HADIN KAI working in synergy with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their outstanding battlefield performance and charged them to sustain the current operational tempo in the collective interest of national security.
