Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have apprehended two suspected Boko Haram members during a clearance operation conducted along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum axis in Borno State. The operation, carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on July 22, 2026, involved troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).
Joint Security Force Conducts Offensive
The joint security team, mounted on a gun truck and 10 motorcycles, conducted the operation along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum route, extending to the Nguma area. This effort is part of ongoing operations to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and deny insurgents freedom of movement in the region.
During the operation, troops apprehended two suspected Boko Haram members identified as Sidi Shagari, 42, and Abubakar Sadiq, popularly known as “Buba,” 25. Both individuals are natives of Birni in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recovered Items and Investigation
Items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones, three cutlasses, one dagger, and the sum of N9,500. The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken to the Abogo Largema Cantonment for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources confirmed that the operation is part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, a theatre-wide offensive aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling insurgent networks, and enhancing security across the North-East.
