Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully thwarted a coordinated attack by Boko Haram terrorists on the Forward Operating Base in Gajibo, Borno State. The operation also led to the arrest of suspected collaborators and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
Attack Thwarted
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. The terrorists, who arrived on motorcycles, were forced to retreat after troops responded with heavy mortar fire. During subsequent exploitation operations, soldiers recovered ammunition and combat equipment abandoned by the attackers.
Arrests and Surrender
In related operations, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Gubio town. The suspects, both cattle rearers, are in custody undergoing investigation. Additionally, acting on intelligence from a surrendered terrorist associate, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier, Umar Ahmadu, in Gwoza. He reportedly confessed to supplying items to terrorists and is under interrogation.
A 17-year-old family member of a terrorist surrendered to troops along the Gwoza–Limankara axis after escaping from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains. Preliminary findings indicate sustained military pressure and lack of basic necessities drove his decision to surrender.
Rescue Operations
Troops also intercepted and rescued two male victims kidnapped from Mafa town. They escaped from captivity under poor visibility conditions and have been handed over for medical evaluation.
The Joint Task Force reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting security, peace, and economic stability across the North East region.
