Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), operating under Operation Desert Sanity and related missions, have recorded significant operational successes across the North East, including the rescue of an eight-year-old kidnapped victim and neutralisation of two terrorists.
The 8-year-old boy was abducted during the March 3, 2026, attack on the Ngoshe community.
A statement by the Friday statement by Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba, noted that other abducted victims were also rescued, arms and ammunition, explosives were seized, likewise criminal collaborators were arrested during the operation.
“In sustained offensive operations, troops of OPHK supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) conducted coordinated offensives in the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara general areas. During the operations, troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, neutralising two insurgents while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis.
“The area was subsequently cleared, with no casualties recorded among own troops.
“Similarly, troops operating along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis intercepted suspected terrorists and engaged them effectively, neutralising one insurgent. Items recovered from the encounter include a radio set and a mobile phone.
“Further demonstrating operational effectiveness, troops conducting offensive operations along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor rescued an 8-year-old boy abducted during the March 3, 2026, attack on Ngoshe community”, the statement said in part.
The victim (name withheld) has been medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
In a related development, troops of OPHK conducting an operation around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani male identified as Dahiru Ahamdu.
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The victim disclosed that he escaped from his captors following intense artillery bombardments by troops which struck terrorist camps, neutralised two insurgents, and created panic within the enclave.
He further revealed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and subsequently held in a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains.
The victim has since undergone medical examination and was successfully reunited with his family through community leadership.
In a separate operation, troops of OPHK deployed at Buni Gari, recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza general area.
Items recovered include four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs. The explosives were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams.
A suspected collaborator, identified as Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), over alleged links with terrorist elements, has also been arrested, according to the statement. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
Similarly, troops of OPHK said it swiftly responded to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu.
Items recovered include mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet, and a locally made firearm.
A Dane gun earlier reported stolen was recovered and returned to its rightful owner after verification, as investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.
Additionally, troops, in conjunction with local hunters, arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market with six rustled cattle. The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
“Troops across all operational areas of OPHK continue to maintain high vigilance and an aggressive operational posture aimed at denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action within the North East theatre.”
The Joint Task Force reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at defeating terrorism, restoring lasting security, and promoting socio-economic stability across the North East region.
