Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a series of operational successes, including the arrest of suspected terrorists and collaborators, the rescue of kidnapped civilians, and the recovery of explosive devices during coordinated operations across the theatre.
According to a statement issued on May 4, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the operations underscore the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the region.
“In a notable development, troops deployed at Ngamdu, while conducting operational engagements in the town, apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu (32) and Ibrahim Adamu (20),” Uba said.
He noted that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects had fled from Zamfara State into Yobe State. Items recovered from them included “a smartphone, keypad phone, power bank, identification card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects.”
“The suspects have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation,” he added.
In a related operation, troops of the 254 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad (30), at Ngamdu Market.
“The suspect, who had been on the unit’s watchlist, was found in possession of a sum of cash, a keypad mobile phone, a wallet containing identification cards, charms, a knife, and an exercise book containing phone numbers of suspected terrorist contacts,” Uba stated.
He described the arrest as “a major disruption to the intelligence network of terrorist elements operating within the area,” adding that the suspect had been handed over to Sector 2 Headquarters for detailed interrogation.
Meanwhile, troops conducting a night operation around the Mubi general area of Adamawa State arrested five suspected drug peddlers.
“They were found in possession of various items, including ammunition, and are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” Uba said.
In another development, troops deployed in Madagali, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), responded to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Madagali Local Government Area.
“The joint team successfully rescued two kidnapped victims, Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10), while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of other abducted persons still in captivity,” he disclosed.
Additionally, troops operating in the Kukareta area of Yobe State recovered a hand grenade suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists.
“The explosive device was safely secured in line with established procedures,” Uba said.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum.
It also reassured the public of its commitment to ongoing operations. “The Armed Forces remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, protecting lives and property, and restoring enduring peace and economic stability across the North East region,” the statement said.
