RismadarVoice Reporters
May 23, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded significant operational successes across the theatre, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of abducted persons, and recovery of arms, ammunition and explosive devices.
The operations were carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY and other ongoing missions, with support from the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), in several locations across Borno and Adamawa States.
In coordinated offensives in Valle, Ashigashiya and Gakara general areas, troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, neutralising two insurgents while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis. No casualties were recorded among the own troops.
In another encounter along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, troops neutralised one terrorist and recovered a radio set and a mobile phone.
Troops also rescued an 8-year-old boy, identified as Abubakar Mublagha, who was abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on the Ngoshe community. He has since been medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
In a related operation along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, troops rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani male, identified as Dahiru Ahamdu, from a deserted village in Uvaha. The victim reportedly escaped following intense artillery bombardments that struck terrorist positions within the Mandara Mountains.
He disclosed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle in Bororo village, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, and held in a terrorist hideout before escaping amid the military offensive. He has also been reunited with his family after a medical examination.
Troops in Buni Gari, acting on credible intelligence, recovered a cache of abandoned arms and explosives in the Magza general area. Recovered items include four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs, which were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel.
In another development, a suspected collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, reportedly a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), was arrested over alleged links with terrorist elements and is currently under investigation.
Troops also responded to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed and Adamu Aliyu. Items recovered include mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet and a locally fabricated firearm.
A Dane gun earlier reported stolen was also recovered and returned to its rightful owner after verification, while investigations continue to track other suspects.
Additionally, four suspected cattle rustlers and alleged terrorist collaborators were arrested at Kwaya Kusar Market with six rustled cattle in collaboration with local hunters.
The Joint Task Force said troops remain highly vigilant and committed to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action across the North East.
The military high command commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to maintain momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
