The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, in conjunction with Operation Desert Sanity V/Siege Operations said it has sustained operational momentum across the theatre, including foiling of terrorist attacks, killing of Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, arrest of criminal collaborators, recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as the continued rescue and reunion of abducted civilians with their families.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Uba Sani, Media Information Officer of OPHK said in a major operational development, troops successfully thwarted coordinated terrorist activities along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State.
The statement said, “Following the sighting of large numbers of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists through surveillance systems, troops swiftly engaged the hostile elements with offensive fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. Subsequent pursuit operations by Quick Response Forces further disrupted terrorists’ movement, with significant casualties inflicted on the terrorists and 169 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition recovered. No casualties were recorded in own troops.”
It said similarly that troops of 27 Task Force Brigade of OPHK, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, and local hunters, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a successful ambush operation around Kasaicia village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
“During the operation, troops neutralised 4 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with empty magazines,” it said.
The statement added that in another encounter, troops of Sector 1 OPHK successfully foiled a terrorist attack along the Kirawa axis, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers while maintaining firm control of the battle space.
“In addition, troops conducted multiple coordinated offensive operations across various sectors within the Theatre, including Damboa–Kanama, Damboa–Gwoza, Goniri axis, and FOB Azir, effectively denying terrorists freedom of movement and reinforcing operational dominance across key corridors,” the statement said.
“Troops also recorded significant successes in counter-criminal operations. In Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, troops swiftly arrested three suspected armed robbers at Gar Gwigwi village following credible intelligence. Items recovered include mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, a dagger, cash, and a dane gun, which was subsequently returned to its rightful owner after verification. The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.”
It said troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator during operations in Monguno, while another element of troops arrested a suspected drug peddler in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.
Sani also informed that the Theatre recorded notable successes in ongoing rescue operations, rescuing additional abducted civilians along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis, bringing the total number of rescued persons from the Ngoshe incident to 69.
In a related development, it said a kidnapped civilian was rescued in the Gwoza axis, who disclosed that he escaped from terrorist captivity due to sustained military pressure and bombardment of terrorist enclaves within the Mandara Mountains.
The statement said, “In a further demonstration of humanitarian commitment, four civilians earlier rescued through collaboration with cross-border partners were formally received, medically attended to, documented, and reunited with their families. In Sector 2 of OPHK, Damaturu, Yobe State, troops marked the Eid-el-Adha celebration with a well-organised Sallah event hosted by the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Edet Effiong.
