Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have continued to sustain aggressive counterterrorism operations across the North-East, recording major operational successes including the disruption of terrorist activities, neutralisation of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, rescue of abducted civilians, and recovery of arms and ammunition.

According to the military, the operations were conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY V and related siege missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action within the theatre.

In one of the key operations, troops successfully foiled coordinated terrorist movements along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State after surveillance systems detected a large concentration of insurgents advancing towards troops’ positions. Security forces immediately engaged the terrorists with heavy firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Quick Response Forces subsequently pursued the fleeing insurgents, inflicting additional casualties and recovering 169 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. No casualties were reported among the troops.

Similarly, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, carried out a successful ambush operation around Kasaicia village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State following credible intelligence on terrorist movement.

During the operation, four suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters were neutralised, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles and empty magazines.

In another encounter along the Kirawa axis, troops of Sector 1 OPHK repelled an attempted terrorist attack, inflicting heavy losses on the insurgents while maintaining control of the area.

The military also conducted coordinated clearance and offensive patrols across several locations, including the Damboa–Kanama corridor, Damboa–Gwoza axis, Goniri area, and Forward Operating Base Azir, aimed at sustaining operational dominance and restricting terrorist movement.

Troops also recorded successes in anti-crime operations within the theatre. In Gar Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, security personnel arrested three suspected armed robbers following actionable intelligence.

Recovered items included mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, cash, a dagger, and a dane gun, which was later returned to its owner after proper verification. The suspects remain in custody for further investigation.

Elsewhere, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator in Monguno and arrested a suspected drug dealer in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.

The military further disclosed that ongoing rescue operations led to the recovery of additional abducted civilians along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis, bringing the total number of rescued victims linked to the Ngoshe incident to 69.

A kidnapped civilian rescued in the Gwoza axis reportedly revealed that he escaped from captivity following sustained military bombardments targeting terrorist hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.

In a separate humanitarian effort, four civilians earlier rescued through cooperation with cross-border security partners were formally reunited with their families after undergoing medical evaluation and documentation.

Meanwhile, troops in Sector 2, Damaturu, Yobe State, commemorated the Eid-el-Adha celebration with a special Sallah event organised by the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Edet Effiong.

The gathering brought together military personnel, community leaders, dignitaries, and patients receiving treatment at the Level II Field Hospital, with the aim of promoting unity, boosting troop morale, and strengthening civil-military relations.

The military also confirmed the recovery of additional explosive devices, bombs, and logistics materials abandoned by fleeing insurgents during clearance operations in the Magza area.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups, protecting civilians, and restoring lasting peace and stability across the North-East region.

Military authorities commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and operational achievements, urging them to maintain the current momentum in the interest of national security.