Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), operating under Operation DESERT SANITY, have neutralized six terrorists, rescued two abducted victims, and recovered a cache of arms in Borno and Yobe states. The arms were recovered on May 21, 2026, in the deserted Mazga community along the Buni/Yadi-Biu road.
Details of the Operation
Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, disclosed in Maiduguri on Saturday: “The ground troops recorded significant operational successes across the theatre of OPHK, including the neutralisation of six terrorists, rescue of abducted persons, and recovery of a cache of arms at Mazga settlement in Yobe state.” He added that several collaborators of Boko Haram were also arrested, and explosive ordnance planted along the road was recovered.
Coordinated Offensives
Uba further revealed: “In sustained and coordinated offensive operations, troops of OPHK supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) conducted offensives on the insurgents in the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara general areas. During the operations, troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, neutralising two insurgents while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis.” The area was cleared with no casualties among own troops.
Similarly, troops along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis intercepted suspected terrorists, neutralising one insurgent and recovering a radio set and a mobile phone.
Rescue Operations
Troops conducting offensive operations along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor rescued an 8-year-old boy abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community. The victim, Abubakar Mublagha, was medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
In a related development, troops operating around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani male, Dahiru Ahamdu. He escaped from captors following artillery bombardments that struck terrorist camps, neutralised two insurgents, and created panic. He was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and held in a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains. After medical examination, he was reunited with his family through community leadership.
Arms Recovery and Arrests
Troops deployed at Buni Gari, acting on credible intelligence, recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza general area. Items included four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs, which were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams.
Troops arrested a suspected collaborator, Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), over alleged links with terrorist elements. He is in custody for further investigation.
Troops also responded to an armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, arresting three suspects: Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu. Items recovered included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet, and a locally made firearm. A stolen Dane gun was recovered and returned to its owner. Investigations are ongoing.
Additionally, troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market with six rustled cattle. The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation.
Commendation
The Military High Command commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational successes, urging them to maintain the current momentum in the collective interest of national security.
