The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, under Operation DESERT SANITY V/SIEGE OPERATIONS, has recorded major operational gains, including the rescue of abducted civilians, arrests of suspected insurgent collaborators, and disruption of terrorist logistics networks across the North-East.
According to the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, troops rescued civilians abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, carried out by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists. The victims include Mrs. Maryam Muhammad (20) and her infant son, Bello Muhammad (1 year, 4 months), kidnapped during the March 3, 2026 assault.
Uba stated that the captives were held in a hideout within the Mandara Mountains before escaping following sustained military pressure. After medical checks, they were reunited with their families through community leaders.
In separate operations, troops working with Civilian Joint Task Force members uncovered terrorist indicators in Wulgo, Gumsari and Hausari, including makeshift medical facilities, ammunition, and military uniforms. One insurgent was neutralised, with no troop casualties recorded.
The military also confirmed the surrender of insurgents’ family members, including Ghwa’a Biwa (50), Binta Umaru (19), and her daughter Hafsat Ibrahim (2), who fled camps in the Mandara Mountains citing hardship and intensified operations. All surrendered persons are undergoing profiling.
Intelligence-led raids led to multiple arrests across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. At Benisheikh Market, Girema Aliko (40) was arrested with 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit allegedly destined for insurgents, while Mohammed Bulama (25) was detained in Maiduguri over suspected links to logistics and informant networks.
Other arrests include a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler in Biu, another logistics courier in Gubio, and two alleged ISWAP members in Adamawa who reportedly confessed to attacks and abductions.
Troops also recovered weapons, including rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition, following discoveries of abandoned terrorist enclaves in the Damboa axis. Additionally, 13 detainees were handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and prosecution.
Lt. Col. Uba said the operations have significantly degraded insurgent logistics and capabilities, reaffirming the military’s commitment to sustained pressure and lasting peace in the region.
