By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded fresh operational successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign across the North East, rescuing abducted civilians and arresting suspected terrorist collaborators in Borno and Yobe states.
The operations, carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY, led to the rescue of six women and children believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an earlier attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to military authorities, the rescue mission followed credible intelligence obtained after an air interdiction operation around the Mandara Mountains. Troops reportedly intercepted the victims at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on May 12, 2026.
The rescued victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya.
Military sources disclosed that the victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment and profiling before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In a separate intelligence-led operation on the same day, troops stationed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a 40-year-old woman, Hauwa Bulama, over alleged links with terrorist elements.
Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and seasoning cubes. Preliminary investigations indicated that she was allegedly on her way to Gezuwa to meet four of her children reportedly associated with the terrorist group.
Meanwhile, troops of OPHK Sector 2, working alongside Military Intelligence operatives, also arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17, during a follow-up operation in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The arrests were linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was allegedly attempting to deliver ammunition to terrorists.
Military authorities revealed that preliminary findings showed Adiza had allegedly been assigned to receive the ammunition for onward delivery to a terrorist commander currently at large.
The suspects remain in military custody as security operatives intensify efforts to track down other members of the network and recover the ammunition meant for terrorist operations.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring peace and stability across the North East region.
Military High Command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience, and continued operational successes in the fight against insurgency.
