By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Operation DESERT SANITY V/SIEGE OPERATIONS, has rescued civilians abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops also arrested several Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their collaborators in sustained offensive operations across the theatre.

In addition, a deserter soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who absconded with his personal weapon, was apprehended in Maiduguri and is being investigated for alleged involvement in armed robbery.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the operations recorded significant breakthroughs, including the rescue of abducted civilians, neutralisation of terrorists, and surrender of some insurgents’ family members.

He said troops rescued two abductees—Mrs. Maryam Muhammad (20) and her infant son, Bello Muhammad (1 year, 4 months)—who were kidnapped during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe.

The victims were reportedly held in a terrorist enclave within the Mandara Mountains before escaping following military pressure on insurgent hideouts.

After medical evaluation, they were reunited with their family members through community leaders.

In another operation, troops working with Civilian Joint Task Force members conducted offensive operations in Wulgo, Gumsari and Hausari general areas, where they discovered indicators of terrorist presence, including makeshift medical facilities, ammunition and military uniforms.

One terrorist was neutralised during the operation, with no casualties recorded among troops.

The military also reported continued surrender of insurgents’ family members due to sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves.

In Gwoza axis, a 50-year-old woman, Ghwa’a Biwa, and two others, Binta Umaru (19) and her daughter, Hafsat Ibrahim (2), escaped from terrorist camps in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops, citing hardship and ongoing military operations.

All surrendered persons have been screened and are undergoing profiling.

Lt. Col. Uba said intelligence-led operations also led to the arrest of terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators across Borno and Yobe States.

At Benisheikh Market, troops arrested Girema Aliko (40), a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, while conveying 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He reportedly confessed to supplying fuel and other materials to insurgents.

Another suspect, Mohammed Bulama (25), was arrested in Maiduguri for alleged links with terrorist informants and logistics networks.

Troops also arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler in Biu Local Government Area, who reportedly confessed to involvement in multiple criminal activities and links with terrorist networks.

In Gubio axis, another logistics supplier was arrested while transporting food items intended for insurgents, further disrupting supply chains.

In Adamawa State, troops working with local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who allegedly confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in Borno and Adamawa States.

The operation also led to the recovery of weapons and ammunition, including rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT rounds, as troops discovered abandoned terrorist enclaves in Damboa axis.

The military further confirmed the handover of 13 detainees to relevant authorities for investigation and prosecution.

Lt. Col. Uba said the cumulative operations have significantly weakened terrorist logistics networks and operational capabilities, adding that troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on insurgents and restoring lasting peace in the North East