Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have intensified their offensive against insurgents, cutting off key supply lines, neutralising fighters, and arresting major suspects between September 19 and 24, 2025, under Operation Desert Sanity IV in Borno and Adamawa States.
A statement by the military confirmed that the operations targeted insurgent logistics networks, leading to the interception of smuggled fuel and fertilizer, the arrest of collaborators, and the recovery of items linked to terrorist operations.
Fuel Smuggling Network Crippled
Between September 19 and 24, troops intercepted 21 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in separate operations across Mubi South and Mubi North Local Government Areas of Adamawa State. On September 19, 232 Battalion (Tactical) and Sector 4 Special Forces seized seven jerricans at Vintim, Mubi South. Two days later, nine jerricans were recovered along Fillin Ball–Gella road, while another five were seized on September 24 at Tsamiya, Mubi North.
The army also reported the discovery of suspicious quantities of urea fertilizer in Mubi Central Market on September 21 and 24. The suspected suppliers fled on sighting troops, abandoning the products. Urea is a known component in the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Officials described the seizure as a major blow to insurgents’ bomb-making capacity.
Ambush and Neutralisation of Boko Haram Fighter
On September 22, troops of 73 Battalion (Motorised), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hybrid Forces, staged an ambush at Kolori Karumi, west of Alau Dam in Borno State. At about 10:15 p.m., troops made contact with insurgents and neutralised a suspected Boko Haram scout.
Arrest of Key Terror Collaborators
Two major arrests were also recorded. On September 23, troops of 112 Task Force Battalion at Forward Operating Base Ngwom arrested 54-year-old Thomas James with 23 bottles of PMS hidden in a bag. He was reportedly heading for Gamboru Ngala from Maiduguri when intercepted. Preliminary investigations linked him to terrorist fuel supply networks. He has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.
A day later, on September 24, troops of 232 Battalion, supported by local hunters, arrested 31-year-old Ahmadu Buba in Garkida, Gombi LGA of Adamawa State. Buba, a native of Sabon Gari Kimba in Damboa LGA, confessed to joining Boko Haram in April 2025. He admitted involvement in the August 2025 attack on Mandaragirau Sabon Gari Kimba and the June 2025 destruction of Mandahuma Bridge, a strategic infrastructure link.
Military Commends Troops, Vows Sustained Pressure
The Military High Command lauded the troops for what it described as “impressive battle performance” and urged them to maintain the current momentum. The statement added that consistent disruption of insurgent supply chains weakens their operational capacity and brings security forces closer to restoring peace in the North East.
“The troops have dealt successive blows to terrorist logistics and mobility within just one week. The focus remains to sustain maximum pressure until the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP are completely degraded,” the statement said.
Residents of affected areas have also expressed relief at the sustained military presence, noting that the clampdown on fuel smuggling and fertilizer diversion would make it more difficult for insurgents to finance and execute attacks.
The military pledged that Operation Desert Sanity IV will continue with greater intensity, combining intelligence-led operations, ambushes, and collaboration with local security groups to neutralise threats and restore normalcy across Borno and Adamawa States.
