Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have thwarted a terrorist attack, neutralised insurgents and rescued abducted children in coordinated operations conducted between February 20 and 21, 2026.
In a major encounter, troops of Sector 1 on fighting patrol engaged suspected Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters near Sabsawa village in Borno State. According to the military, the troops overpowered the insurgents with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat. Five suspected terrorists were neutralised during follow-up exploitation of the area.
In a separate operation, troops deployed at Ngurosoye in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State rescued three abducted children—12-year-old Abba Abba, eight-year-old Fatima Abba and six-year-old Aisha Abba—during a perimeter patrol. Preliminary findings indicate the children were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists and later moved to Bula-Daloye. They have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.
Meanwhile, an 18-year-old suspected terrorist, identified as Abubakar Abubakar, surrendered to troops in Geidam, Yobe State, and is currently in custody undergoing profiling.
Across other sectors, troops conducted coordinated offensive operations alongside hybrid forces, vigilantes and local hunters to deny insurgents freedom of movement. The military said the operations were largely hitch-free, with exploitation and surveillance continuing across the theatre.
The high command commended the troops for their sustained morale and operational efficiency, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements until lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the Northeast.
