Nigerian military troops have recorded a series of significant operational successes across the North East, including repelling a major terrorist assault, arresting suspected collaborators, and rescuing kidnapped victims, the Joint Task Force (North East) announced Tuesday.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajibo foiled what officials described as a coordinated, large-scale attack by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters advancing on the town from multiple directions on motorcycles and armed with support weapons.
“Troops responded swiftly with heavy firepower, including mortar engagements, forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East). “No casualties were recorded among troops.”
He added that a follow-up operation after the assault led to the recovery of ammunition and combat accessories abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
In a separate operation, OPHK troops working alongside Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Gubio town. Both suspects, identified as cattle rearers, are currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
Acting on intelligence provided by a surrendered terrorist associate, troops also arrested a suspected logistics supplier identified as Umar Ahmadu in Gwoza. “The suspect reportedly confessed to supplying items to terrorists on multiple occasions and is currently under interrogation,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
In a development underscoring the growing strain on terrorist enclaves, a 17-year-old family member of a terrorist fighter surrendered to troops along the Gwoza–Limankara axis after escaping from an enclave in the Mandara Mountains. Preliminary findings suggest that sustained military pressure and a shortage of necessities within the enclave drove the teenager’s decision to give himself up.
Troops also intercepted and rescued two male victims who had been abducted from Mafa town. The victims, who escaped their captors under poor visibility conditions, have been handed over for medical evaluation and further action.
Lt. Col. Uba said the operations reflect a deliberate strategy targeting terrorist mobility, logistics networks, and support structures. “Troops continue to maintain high vigilance and an aggressive operational posture to forestall any threat within the theatre,” he said.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing operations, pledging to sustain military pressure aimed at “defeating terrorism and restoring lasting security, peace and economic stability across the North East region.”
