Troops Rescue Abductees, Reunite Families, Arrest Terrorist Suspects
By Core Reporters
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, have recorded significant operational successes, including the rescue of abducted civilians, reunification of families, and the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators across the theatre of operations.
Suspected terrorist
In a recent operation, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains successfully rescued six abducted women and children during a coordinated operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on 12 May 2026.
The rescued 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.
Suspected terrorist collaborator
Following their rescue, the victims received immediate medical attention at a military facility and were subsequently reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops of OPHK deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama (40), during an operational engagement. Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly on her way to Gezuwa to meet four of her children, who are suspected members of the terrorist group. She has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Similarly, in a follow-up intelligence-led operation, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, supported by Military Intelligence personnel, arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura (18) and Adiza (17) 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 apprehended while allegedly finalising plans to supply ammunition to terrorists.
Preliminary findings indicated that Adiza had been tasked with collecting ammunition from the earlier suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander. The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East region.
The military high command also commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo.
