Major Counter-Terrorism Success in North East as Troops Arrest 19 Suspects
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai have achieved significant operational successes across the North East theatre between March 28 and 30, 2026, with the arrest of three suspected terrorists and sixteen logistics suppliers while rescuing 150 abducted civilians in Borno State.
Foiled Attacks and Defensive Operations
In a major operational breakthrough, troops deployed at Damboa successfully thwarted a planned Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province attack after detecting terrorist movements through advanced surveillance systems. The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to withdraw in disarray, with follow-up operations confirming their retreat.
Similarly, troops repelled attempted attacks on farmers and communities in Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State, compelling the insurgents to flee toward the Mandara Mountains and surrounding areas. Continuing offensive operations led to the discovery and safe detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device planted along the Goniri-Ngamdu axis, intended to target both military personnel and civilian commuters.
Recovered materials included rail tracks used to canalize vehicles into killing zones, highlighting ongoing terrorist efforts to disrupt movement along critical transportation routes in the region.
Dismantling Terrorist Logistics Networks
Troops recorded major successes in dismantling terrorist logistics supply chains through multiple coordinated operations. At Molai, two suspected Boko Haram collaborators were arrested while loitering within a defensive area under suspicious circumstances.
In Maiduguri, troops intercepted vehicles conveying large quantities of suspected terrorist logistics supplies along the Maiduguri-Mafa road. The consignments, equivalent to two truckloads, were concealed in sacks and included cartons of medicaments, motorcycle tubes and tires, mosquito nets, mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents.
Preliminary investigation revealed the items were being transported without proper clearance toward Kusuri, a border community near Chad. The vehicles, drivers, and confiscated items have been handed over to authorities for further investigation.
Additional Arrests and Confiscations
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force operatives, arrested a suspected logistics supplier identified as Mohammed Adamu, 26, at Muna Garage. Items recovered from him included 25 liters of engine oil concealed in sacks, the sum of N624,900, a mobile phone, power bank, national identity card, and Automated Teller Machine cards.
Preliminary findings indicate Adamu had been supplying logistics, including motorcycle parts, to terrorists over an extended period. In a related development, troops deployed at Gubio, alongside intelligence operatives and Civilian Joint Task Force members, conducted targeted operations leading to the arrest of thirteen suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators.
Two additional suspects were apprehended in the same area and confessed to long-term involvement in supplying logistics to terrorist groups. In another operation, troops arrested a suspected member of the JAS/ISWAP terrorist group identified as Abubakar Ali, alias 'Saina', at Kilo Papa checkpoint while transiting to Maiduguri.
Further interrogation revealed the suspect was on a suspected reconnaissance mission. He has been handed over to authorities for detailed investigation. Troops also arrested a suspected kidnapper in the Azir area of Damboa Local Government Area.
Rescue of 150 Abducted Civilians
In a separate but related operation, troops of Sector 2 under the North East Joint Task Force rescued 150 abducted civilians on the Buratai-Kamuya axis of Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The rescued civilians, comprising women and children, were traveling along the 130-kilometer Damaturu-Biu road before their kidnapping.
According to Operation Hadin Kai Media Information Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, all rescued civilians were moved to Buratai for onward movement to reunite them with their families. The rescue operations occurred on Tuesday, March 30, 2026, at approximately 2:50 PM when troops of Sector 2 were deployed to Dutse Kura and came under multiple attacks while escorting dozens of civilians to Damaturu and Biu townships.
Uba stated in a release from Maiduguri: "The troops have demonstrated their counter-terrorism operational dominance and unwavering commitment to the protection of civilians by foiling a planned mass abduction by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists."
"While decisively engaging the terrorists, surveillance assets identified the insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, comprising men, women, and children. They were forcefully abducted into 17 vehicles and quickly whisked into the west fringe of the forest."
In a swift response, the Quick Reaction Force rapidly reinforced the location and repelled the attacks by immediately launching a pursuit toward the Mangari area. Uba explained that aggressive operational pressures exerted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon all kidnapped civilians and the 17 vehicles used in the abduction.
Casualties and Ongoing Challenges
Regarding the planting of Improvised Explosive Devices, Uba explained: "During the pursuit of insurgents, troops encountered an IED along the Bula Zarma-Mangari axis. Five personnel sustained severe injuries and were promptly evacuated for medical treatment."
He added that the sacrifice of the gallant troops underscored Operation Hadin Kai's resolve to incapacitate terrorists and protect vulnerable populations across the theatre of war. In additional operations, clearance and cordon and search operations conducted in Wulgo Junction, Gamboru Motor Park, and surrounding areas led to the recovery of 450 wraps of substances suspected to be marijuana and other illicit substances, while suspected drug peddlers fled upon sighting troops.
The military high command commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and professional conduct, urging them to sustain the operational tempo to clear and deny terrorists freedom of action across the theatre of operations.
