Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained intensified military operations across the North-East, recording major successes against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, while also ensuring peaceful Eid-el-Adha celebrations and strengthening civil-military relations in the region.
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed that troops, operating in conjunction with Operation DESERT SANITY V/SIEGE OPERATIONS, successfully foiled terrorist attacks, neutralised insurgents, arrested criminal collaborators, recovered arms and ammunition, and rescued abducted civilians in several operations across the theatre.
In a major breakthrough, troops thwarted coordinated terrorist activities along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State after surveillance systems detected the movement of a large number of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters. Troops reportedly engaged the insurgents with heavy firepower, forcing them to retreat, while Quick Response Forces pursued the fleeing terrorists and inflicted significant casualties.
Military authorities disclosed that 169 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered during the operation, while no casualty was recorded among troops.
Similarly, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, carried out a successful ambush around Kasaicia village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The operation led to the neutralisation of four terrorists and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with empty magazines.
Troops of Sector 1 OPHK also repelled an attempted terrorist attack along the Kirawa axis, inflicting heavy losses on the attackers and maintaining control of the area.
The military further stated that coordinated offensive operations were conducted along the Damboa–Kanama, Damboa–Gwoza, Goniri axis, and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, denying terrorists freedom of movement across key operational corridors.
In separate counter-criminality operations, troops arrested three suspected armed robbers at Gar Gwigwi village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State following credible intelligence. Recovered items included mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, cash, a dagger, and a dane gun, which was later returned to its verified owner.
Security operatives also apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator in Monguno, while another operation in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State led to the arrest of a suspected drug peddler found with substances believed to be cannabis sativa.
According to the military, all suspects are currently undergoing investigation.
The Theatre Command also recorded progress in rescue operations, with troops rescuing additional abducted civilians along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis, bringing the total number of rescued victims from the Ngoshe incident to 69.
In another development, a kidnapped civilian rescued in the Gwoza axis reportedly escaped from terrorist captivity due to sustained military bombardment of insurgent enclaves within the Mandara Mountains.
The military also confirmed that four civilians rescued through collaboration with cross-border partners were medically attended to, documented, and reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, troops in Sector 2 of OPHK in Damaturu, Yobe State, marked the Eid-el-Adha celebration with a special Sallah event hosted by the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Edet Effiong. The event brought together troops, traditional leaders, dignitaries, and patients from the Level II Field Hospital, aimed at boosting morale and strengthening civil-military cooperation.
The Commander commended troops for their sacrifices and urged them to sustain discipline, resilience, and dedication in ongoing operations.
The military further disclosed that troops recovered additional arms, ammunition, bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and logistics items abandoned by fleeing terrorists during clearance operations in the Magza general area and other locations across the theatre.
The Theatre Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups, protecting civilians, and restoring lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East.
Military authorities commended troops for their “impressive battle performance” and urged them to maintain the operational tempo in the collective interest of national security.
