RismadarVoice Reporters, May 23, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded significant battlefield gains, including the killing of several terrorists, rescue of abducted civilians, and recovery of arms and explosives across multiple locations in Borno State.
Military authorities said the coordinated operations, carried out under Operation Desert Sanity and related missions, also led to the arrest of suspected collaborators and disruption of terrorist logistics networks in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters, Joint Task Force North East, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, troops conducted sustained offensive operations in several flashpoint areas, including Valle, Ashigashiya, Gakara, and the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area.
During one of the encounters, troops reportedly made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, engaging them with superior firepower and neutralising two insurgents, while others fled with injuries into surrounding terrain.
In a separate operation along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, troops ambushed another group of suspected terrorists, killing one insurgent and recovering a radio set and a mobile phone from the scene.
A major breakthrough was recorded along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor, where troops rescued four abducted civilians two women and two children who were taken during a March 2026 attack on Ngoshe community.
The rescued victims were identified as Salamatu Sidiq Ali (19), Halima Idrisa (20), Umar Abdullahi (3), and Mustapha Abdullahi (4). They were said to have undergone medical checks and reunited with their families through community leaders.
In another rescue operation around Uvaha village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, troops freed a 20-year-old abducted Fulani man, who reportedly escaped following intense military pressure and bombardments on terrorist hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.
The victim said he was abducted in May 2026 while grazing cattle in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State before being taken to an insurgent camp.
Military officials also confirmed the recovery of a cache of abandoned explosives and ammunition in the Magza general area, including RPG bombs and mortar shells, which were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
Troops further arrested several suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers across the theatre, including individuals accused of supplying goods and information to terrorist groups in exchange for access to grazing routes and safe passage.
In one incident, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force was also apprehended over alleged links with insurgents, while others were arrested in connection with robbery, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking activities.
Security sources said some suspects were caught with stolen livestock, locally fabricated firearms, charms, and suspected illicit substances, while investigations are ongoing to track additional accomplices.
The military also reported the arrest of suspected logistics suppliers in Baga and Dalori axes, with recovered items believed to have been destined for terrorist operatives in remote enclaves.
Lt. Col. Uba disclosed that troops have so far rescued about 65 abducted persons in ongoing operations, while others have either been freed or have escaped from insurgent camps due to sustained military pressure.
He added that several family members of terrorists have also surrendered to troops, citing worsening conditions and shortages within insurgent hideouts.
“In a major breakthrough, troops… successfully intercepted and rescued abducted persons… So far, a total of 65 abducted persons have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of others,” the statement noted.
The military high command commended troops for their operational successes and urged them to sustain the momentum in ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at restoring stability across the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring the safety of civilians in the region.
