Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), operating under the Northeast Joint Task Force and 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 21st May 2026 in the deserted Mazga community along the Buni/Yadi-Biu road.
Operational Successes
Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, disclosed on Saturday in Maiduguri that ground troops recorded significant operational successes across the theatre. These included the neutralization of six terrorists, rescue of abducted persons, and recovery of arms at Mazga settlement in Yobe state. Uba added that several Boko Haram collaborators were arrested, and explosive ordinances planted along the road were recovered.
Coordinated Offensives
In sustained and coordinated offensive operations, troops of OPHK, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted offensives on insurgents in the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara general areas. During these operations, troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, neutralizing two insurgents while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis. The area was subsequently cleared with no casualties among own troops.
Similarly, troops operating along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis intercepted suspected terrorists and engaged them effectively, neutralizing one insurgent. Items recovered from the encounter include a radio set and a mobile phone.
Rescue Operations
Further demonstrating operational effectiveness, 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, identified as Abubakar Mublagha, was medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
In a related development, troops of OPHK operating around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani male identified as Dahiru Ahamdu. The victim disclosed that he escaped from his captors following intense artillery bombardments by troops, which struck terrorist camps, neutralized two insurgents, and created panic within the enclave. He revealed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and subsequently held in a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains. The victim underwent medical examination and was reunited with his family through community leadership.
Arms Recovery
In a separate operation, troops of OPHK 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 recovered include four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs. The explosives were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams.
Arrests
In another development, troops of OPHK arrested a suspected collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), over alleged links with terrorist elements. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
Similarly, troops of OPHK swiftly responded to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu. Items recovered included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewelry, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet, and a locally made firearm. A Dane gun earlier reported stolen was recovered and returned to its rightful owner after verification. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.
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 currently 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.
