The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded fresh operational successes across the North-East, rescuing abductees, repelling an attack by fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province, arresting suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovering arms, ammunition and other items linked to insurgent activities.
The military said the latest achievements were the result of sustained search-and-rescue missions, intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and denying insurgents freedom of movement.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting ongoing search-and-rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7, rescued two abductees from a terrorist hideout.
During the operation, soldiers recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations. The rescued victims were evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support.
In a separate operation, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists.
The military disclosed that although the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter during the fierce exchange of gunfire, troops quickly regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties and varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
One soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged. The military, however, said the base remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI, with reinforcements deployed and exploitation operations continuing to strengthen the position.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area. Follow-up operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered from the suspects included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies believed to have been destined for terrorist elements. The suspects are currently being interrogated.
Also, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a clearance operation around Wulgo, recovering a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents after troops overran their enclave.
The military said the recovery highlighted the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist groups, disrupting their operational capabilities and restricting their freedom of movement.
In another development, six suspected ISWAP members, accompanied by their families, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion under Sector One.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the group fled terrorist enclaves at Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area. Troops recovered N1.541 million in cash, two mobile phones and other items from the surrendering suspects.
Relatedly, soldiers manning the Molai checkpoint arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier found transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance. The suspect and recovered items are in custody pending further investigation.
In Sector Two, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, intercepted and arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The suspect was apprehended while transporting five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist operations. He remains in military custody.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest operational gains demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks and protecting communities across the North-East.
The theatre command reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing search-and-rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
It also warned individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or other forms of logistics to terrorist groups to immediately desist, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorists would be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
