Odita Sunday 
Troops neutralise terrorists, rescue abducted victims in North East operations
By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded major operational successes across the North East theatre, 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.
This was contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, troops operating under Operation DESERT SANITY and related missions, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out coordinated offensives in Valle, Ashigashiya and Gakara general areas where they engaged suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists with superior firepower.
The troops reportedly neutralised two insurgents during the encounter while several others escaped towards the Ngoshe axis.
“The area was subsequently cleared, with no casualties recorded among own troops,” the statement noted.
Similarly, troops operating along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis intercepted suspected terrorists and engaged them effectively, neutralising one insurgent during the operation.
Items recovered from the encounter included a radio set and a mobile phone.
In another development, troops conducting offensive operations along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor rescued an eight-year-old boy identified as Abubakar Mublagha, who was abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community.
The military said the victim was medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
Also, troops conducting operations around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani male identified as Dahiru Ahamdu.
According to the statement, the victim disclosed that he escaped from his captors following intense artillery bombardments by troops which struck terrorist camps and created panic within the enclave.
He further revealed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026 while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and later taken to a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains.
“The victim has since undergone medical examination and was successfully reunited with his family through community leadership,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, troops deployed at Buni Gari, acting on credible intelligence, recovered a cache of explosives abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza general area.
Recovered items included four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb and four 60mm mortar bombs, which were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
In a related development, troops arrested a suspected collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, a member of the CJTF, over alleged links with terrorist elements.
The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
The military also disclosed that troops responded swiftly to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village in Biu Local Government Area, 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 Quran booklet and a locally made firearm.
A Dane gun earlier reported stolen was also recovered and returned to its owner after verification.
Additionally, troops working with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market with six rustled cattle.
The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at defeating terrorism, restoring lasting peace and promoting socio-economic stability across the North East region.
The military high command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience and sustained operational successes.
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