By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational successes with the rescue of abducted civilians, reunification of victims with their families and the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators across the North-East theatre.
The operations were conducted under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace in the region.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains successfully rescued six abducted women and children during an operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on May 12, 2026.
The rescued victims were identified as Aisha Musa, Aisha Mohammed, Fatima Yahaya, Saudatu Musa, Garba Mohammed and three month old Mohammed Yahaya.
According to the statement, the victims were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the community on March 3, 2026.
Following the rescue, the victims received immediate medical attention at a military facility before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In a separate operation conducted the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State arrested a suspected terrorist associate identified as Hauwa Bulama.
Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight and seasoning cubes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly travelling to Gezuwa to establish contact with four of her children suspected to be members of the terrorist group.
The military disclosed that the suspect had been handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
Similarly, troops under Sector 2 of OPHK, supported by Military Intelligence personnel, arrested two additional suspects, Bakura and Adiza in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The arrests were linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was apprehended while allegedly finalising plans to supply ammunition to terrorists.
Preliminary findings indicated that Adiza had been tasked with collecting ammunition from the courier for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said terrorist commander and recover the ammunition meant for delivery.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East region.
The military high command also commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo.
