Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued more abducted civilians, neutralised suspected terrorists, and arrested alleged collaborators during ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East under Operation DESERT SANITY.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, troops carried out sustained clearance operations along the Mandara Mountains axis and other parts of the theatre on May 14, 2026.
Uba said troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted an operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point along the Amuda–Gava corridor, where they rescued six abducted women and children allegedly held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.
“The troops successfully intercepted and rescued six abducted women and children, all residents of Ngoshe community, who had been held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist elements,” he said.
The rescued victims were identified as Amina Salihu, 52; Aishatu Musa, 50; the twin sisters, Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, both aged 9; Adamu Zakariyya, 12; and Usman Zakariyya, 10.
The military spokesperson disclosed that the rescued victims were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, before being given medical attention at the Brigade Medical Reception Station.
He added that the victims were later reunited with their families through the Ngoshe community leader, Mallam Bulama Kunda, and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, Mallam Auwalu Hudu.
“The Commander assured residents of Ngoshe community that troops will sustain ongoing rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families,” Uba stated.
He further revealed that a total of 60 women and children had so far been rescued since the March 3, 2026, attack on the Ngoshe community.
According to the statement, prayers were also offered by the Chief Imam for the success of troops involved in ongoing military operations. At the same time, soldiers continue to maintain what the military described as an “aggressive posture” in the area.
In separate operations across the theatre, troops reportedly neutralised terrorists during offensive missions in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State and arrested suspected collaborators in both Konduga and parts of Yobe State.
Uba said troops of Sector 1 conducted a successful operation at Bazamri village in Konduga LGA, killing two suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.
“Items recovered include logistics supplies such as detergent, salt, and a carton of spaghetti, believed to be intended for sustaining insurgent elements,” he said, adding that no casualties were recorded among troops involved in the operation.
Meanwhile, troops deployed at the Mainé checkpoint in Yobe State reportedly arrested a 30-year-old suspect, Ibrahim Alhaji Julo, during a stop-and-search operation based on intelligence reports.
The suspect was intercepted in a red Golf vehicle with registration number KTG-397AA from Bauchi State.
“Preliminary investigations indicate he was allegedly using his vehicle to convey terrorist elements and facilitate illegal tax collection within communities,” the statement said.
Recovered items included a mobile phone and an unspecified amount of money, while the suspect remains in custody for further investigation.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East.
“The Joint Task Force assures the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, denying terrorists freedom of action, and restoring lasting peace, security and economic stability across the North East region,” Uba said.
