Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled multiple terrorist attacks and disrupted insurgent logistics networks in a series of coordinated operations conducted between March 28 and 30, 2026.
In a major breakthrough, troops deployed in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State thwarted a planned attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters after detecting their movement through surveillance systems. The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to retreat in disarray, with follow-up operations confirming their withdrawal.
Similar successes were recorded in Gwoza and Askira Uba local government areas, where troops repelled attempted attacks on farming communities, forcing the terrorists to flee towards the Mandara Mountains and surrounding areas.
As part of ongoing offensive operations, troops uncovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis, believed to have been intended to target both security personnel and civilians. Materials recovered at the scene, including rail tracks used to channel vehicles into a potential ambush zone, underscored the insurgents’ tactics to disrupt movement along critical routes.
The troops also achieved significant progress in dismantling terrorist supply chains. At Molai, two suspected Boko Haram collaborators were arrested within a defensive perimeter under suspicious circumstances. In a related operation along the Maiduguri–Mafa road, troops intercepted vehicles conveying large quantities of suspected logistics supplies concealed in sacks.
The recovered items—equivalent to two truckloads—included medical supplies, motorcycle parts, mosquito nets, mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents. Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported without clearance towards Kusuri, a border community near Chad. The suspects, vehicles, and items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
In another operation, troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, apprehended a suspected logistics supplier, Mohammed Adamu, at Muna Garage. Items recovered from him included 25 litres of engine oil concealed in sacks, ₦624,900 in cash, a mobile phone, power bank, national identity card, and ATM cards. Preliminary findings suggest he had been supplying motorcycle parts and other materials to terrorist groups over an extended period.
Further operations in Gubio, conducted jointly with intelligence operatives and local security volunteers, led to the arrest of 13 suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators. Two additional suspects apprehended in the area reportedly confessed to long-term involvement in supporting terrorist activities.
At a checkpoint in Kilo Papa, troops arrested a suspected member of the JAS/ISWAP terrorist group, Abubakar Ali, also known as “Saina,” while he was transiting to Maiduguri. Initial interrogation indicated that he may have been on a reconnaissance mission. He has since been handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation.
In a separate development, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in the Azir area of Damboa Local Government Area.
Additionally, clearance and cordon-and-search operations carried out in Wulgo Junction, Gamboru Motor Park, and adjoining locations led to the recovery of 450 wraps of suspected cannabis and other illicit substances, while suspected drug peddlers fled upon sighting troops.
The military high command commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and professionalism, urging them to sustain the operational momentum to deny terrorists freedom of action and enhance security and economic stability across the North-East region.
The operations were confirmed in a statement issued by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI.
