By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have sustained military pressure on terrorist and criminal elements across the North-East while ensuring peaceful Eid El Adha celebrations in parts of the region.
The operations, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V/Siege Operations, highlighted growing security gains and increasing civilian confidence in the military’s efforts to restore normalcy in conflict-affected communities.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops deployed in Ngoshe community provided security and joined local vigilantes and residents for peaceful Eid El Adha prayers at the Ngoshe Central Mosque.
The military described the development as significant, noting that Ngoshe had previously come under threats from terrorist groups. The peaceful gathering, it said, reflected the impact of sustained military offensives and the gradual return of stability to affected areas.
The statement added that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to consolidate operational gains and support the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral communities. Special prayers were also offered for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, peace in the North-East, and national unity.
Similarly, troops of the Headquarters 26 Task Force Brigade under OPHK maintained security at designated Eid prayer grounds across Gwoza town, ensuring a safe environment for worshippers. Senior military leadership also conveyed goodwill messages to troops to boost morale and reinforce commitment to ongoing operations.
Beyond the Eid security operations, troops recorded operational successes against criminal elements.
In Gar Gwigwi village of Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, troops responded to credible intelligence and foiled a robbery threat, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed and Adamu Aliyu.
Military authorities said the suspects, accused of terrorising residents, were apprehended without resistance after victims positively identified them.
Recovered items included mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, cash, a dagger and a dane gun. Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm belonged to Mallam Manu Ibrahim, a member of the Miyetti Allah group, who had reportedly been robbed a day earlier. The weapon was subsequently returned to its owner.
In a related operation, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator, identified as 33-year-old Alhaji Gambo, during routine security screening while attempting to enter Monguno town.
Items recovered from the suspect included vehicle spare parts and personal belongings. He remains in custody for further investigation.
The military said all suspects arrested during the separate operations are in custody, while efforts continue to track down other members of criminal and terrorist networks operating within the theatre.
While noting that the overall security situation in the North-East remains calm but unpredictable, OPHK said troops have continued to display high morale, resilience and professionalism in safeguarding communities.
The military high command commended troops for what it described as impressive operational performance and urged them to sustain the offensive to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-East theatre.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, sustaining operational momentum and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
