Troops Rescue Abducted Victims, Neutralise Terrorists in North East Operations

Troops Rescue Abducted Victims, Neutralise Terrorists in North East Operations
Multiple operations lead to arrests, arms recovery, and victim reunification
Military intensifies offensive against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued abducted persons, neutralised terrorists, and recovered arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance during coordinated operations across the theatre.

The operations were conducted under Operation Desert Sanity and other ongoing missions across Borno State and surrounding areas.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that this was disclosed on Saturday in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

According to the statement, troops operating along the Ngoshe Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State intercepted and rescued four abducted persons. The victims were identified as 19 year old Salamatu Sidiq Ali, 20 year old Halima Idrisa, three year old Umar Abdullahi, and four year old Mustapha Abdullahi.

They were reportedly among residents abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community. Following medical checks, they were reunited with their families through community leadership. The military confirmed that 65 abducted persons have so far been rescued, while efforts continue to secure the release of others.

Troops, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, also conducted coordinated offensives in Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara areas. During contact with suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, the troops engaged them with superior firepower, killing two insurgents while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis.

In a separate encounter along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, troops neutralised another insurgent and recovered a radio set and a mobile phone from the scene.

The military also confirmed the rescue of an eight year old boy, Abubakar Mublagha, who was abducted during the same March 3 attack on Ngoshe. He was medically examined and reunited with his family.

In another operation around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza Limankara axis, troops rescued a 20 year old Fulani man, Dahiru Ahamdu. He stated that he escaped captivity following intense artillery bombardments on terrorist camps in the Mandara Mountains, which reportedly caused panic and neutralised two insurgents.

He also revealed he was abducted on May 8, 2026 while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

In a separate development, troops at Buni Gari recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza area. Items recovered included four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs. The explosives were safely handled by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.

The statement further disclosed the arrest of a suspecte
d collaborator, Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, over alleged links with terrorists. He is currently in custody for investigation.

Troops also arrested a 50 year old woman, Kellu Alhaji Abba, at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area. Items recovered from her included clothing materials and other supplies allegedly meant for delivery to a terrorist operative in the Dumba area.

Troops Rescue Abducted Victims in North East Operations

Another suspected logistics supplier, Amadu Abdu, aged 50, was also arrested along the Dalori axis while allegedly transporting items to terrorists. Recovered materials included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit substances, and cash.