Security
Troops Intercept ₦37m, Disrupt Terror Logistics Network in North-East Operations
Troops of the Operation HADIN KAI have intensified operations aimed at crippling terrorist supply and financing networks across the North-East, recording fresh tactical gains following recent defensive successes in Pulka and Madara-Girau.
According to a statement issued Monday by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), troops have shifted from defensive engagements to what he described as “logistics strangulation operations” designed to dismantle terrorist sustainment systems and deny them operational freedom.
He said at about 5:30 a.m. on February 16, troops of Sector 1 working alongside vigilante personnel carried out a coordinated ambush at a known crossing route used by ISWAP fighters moving from the Cameroon axis into Nigeria.
The insurgents, reportedly unaware of the troops’ tactical positioning, ran into heavy enfilade fire and retreated in disarray. Troops later exploited the contact area and recovered what was described as a large cache of logistics supplies believed to be intended for terrorist resupply operations.
Military authorities said the interception would significantly degrade the group’s sustainment capability and operational reach in the area, adding that troops remain in firm control while consolidating gains for further exploitation.
In a related operation, soldiers stationed at Chabbal Checkpoint intercepted a suspicious vehicle conveying five occupants and discovered about ₦37 million concealed in bags, along with multiple mobile phones suspected to be linked to terrorist activities.
The military described the seizure as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle financial channels believed to support insurgent logistics and operations.
The statement noted that the coordinated actions reflect a deliberate strategy to target both physical supply routes and financial enablers sustaining terrorist groups. The High Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of troops and collaborating security agencies, stating that morale and combat efficiency remain high.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and restore lasting peace across the North-East region.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel in Nigeria to support the Armed Forces in counter-terrorism operations.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ disclosed that the US military trainers and associated equipment arrived at Bauchi Airfield as part of a structured bilateral defence cooperation.
According to the statement, the deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the United States government after deliberations between a Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart during a working group engagement.
The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the US personnel are not combat troops but technical specialists deployed strictly in advisory and training capacities.
“The arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support clearly defined military training requirements, technical support, and intelligence sharing,” the statement said.
The collaboration is expected to provide Nigeria access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening its ability to deter terrorist threats and improve the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
The DHQ further assured Nigerians that all activities involving the US personnel would be conducted under the authority’s direction and control of the Nigerian government in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
As part of the arrangement, Nigerian troops will begin a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives with US advisers. The training is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian forces to identify and neutralize extremist groups seeking to destabilize the country.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to national security, the Defence Headquarters stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully dedicated to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations, threatening the country’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
The DHQ also pledged continued transparency, assuring the public of timely and accurate updates regarding the ongoing military cooperation efforts.
The government of Benue State has confirmed the rescue of nine worshippers abducted during a midnight vigil at Saint John Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon community, within Ado Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security agencies for what he described as a swift and effective operation that secured the victims’ freedom. He called the rescue a “significant breakthrough” and assured residents that security forces would continue working with local vigilante groups to prevent further attacks.
The governor also urged residents to share timely information with authorities to help track criminals and improve security across affected communities.
The abduction occurred last Sunday when gunmen stormed the church during a vigil, causing panic among residents. A former councillor representing Ukwuenyo Ward, Emmanuel Udah, described the incident as a targeted attack and said the community had been left traumatised by recurring assaults.
Earlier, police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed the kidnapping and said the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, deployed tactical teams alongside local vigilantes to locate the victims. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Following the attack and other security concerns in Benue South, the governor convened a high-level security meeting on February 13, 2026, at the palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo, bringing together traditional rulers and top security officials to coordinate response strategies.
Suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly attacked a Nigerian military base in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Residents said the assault began late Saturday night and lasted for about 90 minutes, with intense gunfire echoing across the town. The exchange reportedly created panic among civilians living near the facility.
Satellite-based data from the Fire Incident and Risk Management System (FIRMS) suggests that parts of the military camp caught fire during the confrontation.
Although there are reports of casualties among military personnel, authorities had yet to release an official statement confirming the number of those affected as of the time of filing this report.
Security forces were said to have mobilised in response to the attack, but the outcome of any counter-operation remains unclear.
The development comes barely 24 hours after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents abducted five civilians in Doro Baga, a community in Kukawa Local Government Area.
The abduction reportedly took place on Friday morning when armed militants stormed a fish market around 7 a.m. and seized five men who were buying fresh fish.
The victims were identified as Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu. They were reportedly taken to an undisclosed location, triggering fear among traders and residents in the fishing community.
Security sources said troops of Operation HADIN KAI under Sector 3, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, responded swiftly after receiving distress calls.
According to the sources, intelligence had already been gathered on the suspected movement of the attackers and possible locations where the abducted victims may be held.
Communities around Doro Baga and the Lake Chad region have continued to experience repeated attacks and abductions, with insurgent groups frequently targeting fishermen, farmers, and traders despite ongoing military offensives.