The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded fresh operational successes across the North-East, including the rescue of abductees, the repelling of an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, and the recovery of arms, cash and other items linked to insurgent activities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said the achievements followed sustained search-and-rescue operations, intelligence-led missions and coordinated offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the theatre.
According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion on July 7 rescued two abductees from a terrorist hideout during ongoing search-and-rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations. The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location, where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support.
In another operation, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP fighters.
The military said the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense gun battle, but the troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties and varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
The statement, however, confirmed that one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
It added that the base remains under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops, with reinforcements deployed and exploitation operations ongoing to strengthen security at the location.
Meanwhile, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Subsequent operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist groups. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.
In Wulgo, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out clearance operations on known terrorist enclaves.
The troops recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents, a development the military said reflects sustained pressure on terrorist elements in the area.
The military also disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members, along with their families, voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector One.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group fled terrorist enclaves in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide on the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered from the surrendering suspects included N1,541,500 in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal belongings.
In a related development, troops arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint while transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.
The suspect and the recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation.
In Sector Two, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, intercepted and arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly found with five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist operations.
Captain Goni said the latest operational gains demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained military offensives, actionable intelligence and collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in disrupting terrorist logistics and protecting communities across the North-East.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to continuing search-and-rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
The military also warned individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or other logistics to terrorist groups to desist, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with insurgents would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. #Securitynewsalert.com
