By Chioma Vivian James
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, have recorded major operational successes with the rescue of abducted civilians, reunification of families, and arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators across the North East theatre.
In one of the operations conducted on 12 May 2026, troops acting on credible intelligence after an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains successfully rescued six abducted women and children at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda. The victims Aisha Musa (18), Aisha Mohammed (17), Fatima Yahaya (20), Saudatu Musa (4), Garba Mohammed (5), and Mohammed Yahaya (3 months) — were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the community on 3 March 2026.
Following the successful rescue, the victims received immediate medical attention at a military medical facility before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate identified as Hauwa Bulama (40). Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and seasoning cubes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly on her way to Gezuwa to meet four of her children believed to be members of the terrorist group.
Similarly, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, supported by Military Intelligence personnel, arrested two additional suspects, Bakura (18) and Adiza (17), in Damaturu, Yobe State, during a follow-up intelligence-led operation linked to the earlier arrest of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol.
Preliminary findings indicated that Adiza had allegedly been assigned to collect ammunition from the courier for onward delivery to a terrorist commander. The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the identified terrorist leader and recover the ammunition meant for delivery.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East. The Military High Command also commended troops for their professionalism, courage, and resilience in ongoing operations.
