Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational successes in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign, rescuing abducted victims, repelling a major attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, arresting suspected terrorist collaborators and recovering weapons, cash and logistics across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
The military, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the successes were achieved through sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions and coordinated search-and-rescue efforts across the North-East theatre.
According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abductees during a Search and Rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food supplies and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving appropriate medical care and psychosocial support,” the military said.
In one of the most significant operations during the period under review, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP fighters.
Military authorities disclosed that the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during an intense exchange of fire but were swiftly countered by troops who regrouped and launched a decisive counter-offensive.
The military said several terrorists were killed during the encounter, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.However, the operation came at a cost, as one soldier was killed in action, while two military gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
“The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with reinforcements deployed and exploitation operations ongoing,” the statement added.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area.
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 while investigations continue.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.Items recovered from the suspects included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly destined for terrorist groups operating within the region.
The military also reported that troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a clearance operation around Wulgo and recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
According to the military, the recovery highlighted the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist enclaves and the disruption of insurgent supply chains.
In another development, six suspected ISWAP members and their family members surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion under Sector One of Operation HADIN KAI.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group escaped from terrorist strongholds in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide communities located in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area.Security forces recovered N1.54 million, two mobile phones and other items from the surrendered individuals.
Meanwhile, troops at Molai checkpoint intercepted and arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier found transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.
In Yobe State, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, working with local hunters, arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area while conveying five motorcycle tyres allegedly intended for insurgent elements.
The military said all suspects and recovered items remain in custody for further investigation.
Operation HADIN KAI described the latest achievements as evidence of the effectiveness of ongoing offensive operations and intelligence-sharing among security agencies.
The Theatre Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining search-and-rescue missions until all abducted persons are recovered and reunited with their families.
It also warned individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation services or other forms of logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately.
“Anyone found aiding, abetting or collaborating with terrorist elements, directly or indirectly, will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the command stated.
