RismadarVoice Reporters
March 22, 2026
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have reinforced security dominance in Ngoshe and Gwoza areas of Borno State, ensuring residents celebrated Eid-el-Fitr peacefully despite threats and propaganda from insurgent groups.
The Nigerian Army said Boko Haram and ISWAP elements recently circulated claims of plans to overrun Ngoshe and hold Sallah prayers at the Central Mosque – an attempt described as misinformation aimed at creating fear and projecting strength.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, troops acted swiftly on credible intelligence following an attempted incursion on March 4, reinforcing the area and intensifying clearance operations.
The operations, supported by aerial surveillance and cooperation from local residents, led to the neutralisation of several insurgents and disruption of their movements.
“As a result, Ngoshe and the adjoining Gwoza axis remained calm, secure, and firmly under the control of troops throughout the Sallah period,” the statement said.
Residents were able to observe Eid prayers and festivities without incident, countering the insurgents’ claims and demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing military operations in the area.
In a show of confidence and stability, troops led by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General N.I. Abdullahi, joined Muslim faithful to observe Eid prayers at the Ngoshe Central Mosque. The Army said the gesture was aimed at reassuring the community and reinforcing public confidence in security efforts.
The Chief of Army Staff commended both the troops for their resilience and the local population for their continued support, noting that community cooperation remains vital to operational success.
The Army also urged the public to disregard and avoid spreading terrorist propaganda, describing such narratives as tactics used by weakened groups to instill fear and undermine security gains.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations across the North-East to eliminate remaining threats and consolidate peace in the region.
