Troops Rescue Abductees, Repel ISWAP Attack, Arrest Terror Suspects in Fresh North-East Operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a series of operational successes across the North-East, including the rescue of abductees, the repulsion of an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists, the arrest of terror logistics suppliers and the recovery of weapons, cash and other items linked to insurgent activities.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the developments in a statement issued on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting search and rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7, rescued two abductees from a terrorist hideout.

The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations. The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location for medical attention and psychosocial support.

In another operation, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters.

The military said the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense exchange of fire, but troops quickly regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties and several gunshot wounds.

However, the military disclosed that one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged. It added that reinforcements had been deployed to the base, while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures were ongoing.

In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion acting on credible intelligence arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area. A follow-up operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue.

Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Recovered from the suspects were cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist groups.

As part of ongoing clearance operations, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, raided suspected terrorist enclaves around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.

The military also announced that six suspected ISWAP members, accompanied by their families, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector One.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the group fled terrorist enclaves in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area. Troops recovered N1.541 million, two mobile phones and other items from the surrendering suspects.

In a related operation, troops arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint while allegedly transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.

In Sector Two, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, intercepted another suspected logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State. The suspect was arrested with five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist elements.

Operation HADIN KAI said the latest successes demonstrate the impact of sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions and collaboration among security agencies in dismantling terrorist networks and disrupting their supply chains.

The military assured residents that search-and-rescue operations would continue until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.

It also warned individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, medical supplies or any other logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorists would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.