By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, recording fresh breakthroughs in the rescue of abducted civilians and arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP networks.
The operations, conducted under the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity, also led to the interception of suspected terrorist logistics movements and intelligence-driven arrests in Borno and Yobe states.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains rescued six abducted women and children during a coordinated operation near Amuda on May 12, 2026.
The military said the operation targeted a suspected terrorist crossing point used by insurgents operating within the region.
The rescued victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and Mohammed Yahaya, aged three months.
According to the military, the victims were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted during a Boko Haram/ISWAP attack on March 3, 2026.
Following their rescue, the victims received immediate medical attention at a military facility before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe community, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In another operation carried out on the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate identified as Hauwa Bulama, aged 40.
Recovered items from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight and seasoning cubes believed to be intended for insurgent elements.
Preliminary investigations, according to the military, revealed that the suspect was allegedly heading to Gezuwa to meet four of her children suspected to be members of the terrorist group.
The suspect has since been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Similarly, troops under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by Military Intelligence operatives, arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17, in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The arrests followed intelligence obtained from an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier identified as Ba’akaka Abubakar, alias Modogol.
Military authorities disclosed that the suspect was arrested while allegedly finalising plans to deliver ammunition to terrorists.
Investigations further revealed that Adiza had allegedly been assigned to collect ammunition from the courier for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
The military stated that all suspects remain in custody while efforts continue to arrest the identified terrorist commander and recover the ammunition meant for insurgent operations.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians and restoring peace across the North-East region.
The military high command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience and sustained operational momentum in the fight against terrorism.
Troops Rescue Abducted Women, Children in Borno, Arrest Terrorist Logistics Suppliers
