Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have intensified ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East, leading to the rescue of more abducted civilians, the neutralisation of suspected terrorists and the arrest of alleged terrorist collaborators.
The military disclosed that the latest successes were recorded under Operation DESERT SANITY during coordinated offensives across parts of Borno State and Yobe State.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieut. Col. Sani Uba, troops acting on credible intelligence conducted a clearance operation along the Mandara Mountains axis at a suspected terrorist crossing point on the Amuda–Gava corridor on May 14, 2026.
During the operation, troops intercepted and rescued six women and children who had allegedly been abducted by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents from Ngoshe community.
The rescued victims were identified as Amina Salihu, 52; Aishatu Musa, 50; twin sisters Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, both aged nine; Adamu Zakariyya, 12; and Usman Zakariyya, 10.
The victims were received by the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, and were provided medical attention at the Brigade Medical Reception Station before being reunited with their families through community leaders, including the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Bulama Kunda, and the Chief Imam of the community, Mallam Auwalu Hudu.
The military said the commander assured residents that troops would sustain ongoing rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
The statement added that a total of 60 women and children have so far been rescued since the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community.
In separate operations across the theatre, troops also neutralised suspected terrorists during aggressive clearance missions in Konduga and arrested suspected collaborators linked to insurgent activities.
Troops of Sector 1, during an operation at Bazamri village in Konduga Local Government Area, reportedly neutralised two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.
Items recovered from the scene included detergent, salt and cartons of spaghetti believed to be logistics supplies intended for insurgent groups.
The military said no casualties were recorded among troops during the operation and that forces had since repositioned to maintain offensive pressure in the area.
Similarly, troops deployed at the Mainé checkpoint in Yobe State arrested a suspected Boko Haram collaborator identified as Ibrahim Alhaji Julo, 30.
According to the military, the suspect was intercepted while driving a red Volkswagen Golf vehicle with Bauchi State registration number KTG-397AA.
Preliminary investigations allegedly revealed that the suspect used the vehicle to transport terrorist elements and facilitate illegal tax collection in some communities.
Recovered items included a mobile phone and cash, while the suspect remains in custody for further investigation.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians and restoring peace, security and economic stability across the North-East region.
The military high command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience and operational successes, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations.
