Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded major operational successes across the North-East, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of abducted victims, recovery of arms and explosives, as well as the arrest of suspected collaborators and criminal elements.

The operations, conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY and other ongoing missions, targeted terrorist hideouts and criminal networks in several locations across the theatre.

According to military authorities, troops supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) launched coordinated offensives in the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara areas, where they engaged suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in intense gun battles. At least two terrorists were neutralised, while others reportedly fled towards the Ngoshe axis. No casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.

In another encounter along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, troops intercepted suspected insurgents and neutralised one terrorist. A radio set and mobile phone were recovered from the scene.

Meanwhile, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor successfully rescued an 8-year-old boy identified as Abubakar Mublagha, who was abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community. The child was medically examined and reunited with his family.

In a related development, troops conducting operations around Uvaha village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis rescued a 20-year-old Fulani man, Dahiru Ahamdu, who reportedly escaped from a terrorist camp after heavy artillery strikes by troops caused panic among the insurgents.

The rescued victim disclosed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle in Bororo village, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, before being taken to a hideout in the Mandara Mountains. He has since been reunited with his family after medical evaluation.

Elsewhere, troops stationed in Buni Gari recovered a cache of explosives abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza area following credible intelligence. Recovered items included four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs, which were secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.

The military also confirmed the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, said to be a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, over alleged links with insurgent elements. He remains in custody for further investigation.

In Biu Local Government Area, troops responded to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu.

Items recovered from the suspects included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quranic booklet, and a locally made firearm. A Dane gun previously reported stolen was also recovered and returned to its owner after proper verification.

Additionally, troops working alongside local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market, recovering six rustled cattle during the operation.

Military authorities stated that troops across the North-East theatre remain on high alert and are sustaining aggressive operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal groups freedom of movement across the region.

The military high command commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism, reaffirming its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.