The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in conjunction with Operation DESERT SANITY V/SIEGE OPERATIONS, has sustained operational momentum across the Theatre, recording significant successes including the foiling of terrorist attacks, neutralisation of Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, arrest of criminal collaborators, recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as the continued rescue and reunion of abducted civilians with their families. In a major operational development, troops successfully thwarted coordinated terrorist activities along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State.
Following the sighting of large numbers of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists through surveillance systems, troops swiftly engaged the hostile elements with offensive fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. Subsequent pursuit operations by Quick Response Forces further disrupted terrorists movement, with significant casualties inflicted on the terrorists and 169 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition recovered. No casualties were recorded on own troops.
Similarly, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade of OPHK, in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a successful ambush operation around Kasaicia village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
During the operation, troops neutralised 4 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with empty magazines. In another encounter, troops of Sector 1 OPHK successfully foiled a terrorist attack along the Kirawa axis, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers while maintaining firm control of the battlespace. In addition, troops conducted multiple coordinated offensive operations across various sectors within the Theatre, including Damboa–Kanama, Damboa–Gwoza, Goniri axis, and FOB Azir, effectively denying terrorists freedom of movement and reinforcing operational dominance across key corridors.
Troops also recorded significant successes in counter-criminal operations. In Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, troops swiftly arrested three suspected armed robbers at Gar Gwigwi village following credible intelligence. Items recovered include mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, a dagger, cash, and a dane gun, which was subsequently returned to its rightful owner after verification. The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation. Equally, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator during operations in Monguno, while another element of troops arrested a suspected drug peddler in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa. All suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.
The Theatre also recorded notable successes in ongoing rescue operations. Troops rescued additional abducted civilians along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis, bringing the total number of rescued persons from the Ngoshe incident to 69. In a related development, a kidnapped civilian was rescued in the Gwoza axis, who disclosed that he escaped from terrorist captivity due to sustained military pressure and bombardment of terrorist enclaves within the Mandara Mountains.
In a further demonstration of humanitarian commitment, four civilians earlier rescued through collaboration with cross-border partners were formally received, medically attended to, documented, and reunited with their families. In Sector 2 of OPHK, Damaturu, Yobe State, troops marked the Eid-el-Adha celebration with a well-organised Sallah event hosted by the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Edet Effiong. The event brought together troops, dignitaries, community leaders, and patients from the Level II Field Hospital, reinforcing unity, boosting morale, and strengthening civil-military cooperation. The Commander commended troops for their sacrifices and urged continued discipline, resilience, and dedication to duty.
The Theatre further recorded the recovery of arms and ammunition during aggressive clearance operations, including bombs and improvised explosive devices in the Magza general area, as well as other logistics items abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The Theatre Command reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining operational pressure on terrorist elements, protecting civilians, and restoring lasting security, peace, and economic stability across the North East region. The successes recorded underscore the resolve, resilience, and professionalism of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working in synergy with other security agencies and local stakeholders.The Military Authority commends the troops for their impressive battle performance, urging them to sustain the operational tempo , in the collective interest of national security.