Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with Operation DESERT SANITY, have rescued six women and children in the Amuda-Ngoshe axis in Gwoza Local Council of Borno state. The gallant troops, after rescuing the abductees, arrested five terrorist collaborators who had been operating in the Mandara Mountains for over a decade.
Details of the Operation
Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, in a statement issued in Maiduguri, disclosed: "The soldiers continued to record significant operational successes, including the rescue of abducted civilians, reunification with their families, and the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators across the theatre of war in the state."
Uba further revealed: "In a recent development in the same axis, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains, successfully rescued six abducted women and children." He explained that the rescue and arrests were made during a well-coordinated operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on 12th May 2026.
Rescued Victims Identified
The rescued victims include Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and Mohammed Yahaya, a minor. Uba explained that all six rescued victims were among the residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on the community on 3rd March 2026.
Following their rescue, the victims were administered immediate medical care at a military facility and subsequently reunited with their families through the community leader of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
Separate Arrests in Konduga and Damaturu
In a separate operation on the same day, troops of OPHK deployed at Tango seven location in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama, 40, during an operational engagement. Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes. "Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect was allegedly en route to Gezuwa to link up with four of her children suspected to be members of the terrorist group," stated Uba. The arrested suspect has been handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.
Similarly, in a follow-up operation based on intelligence from ongoing investigations and communication intercepts, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, supported by elements of Military Intelligence, arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura (18) and Adiza (17) in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. Uba noted that the arrests are linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba'akaka Abubakar (alias Modogol), who was apprehended while finalizing plans to supply ammunition to terrorists in Sambisa Forest.
"Preliminary findings revealed that Adiza had been tasked to collect ammunition from the earlier suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander. The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery," Uba said.
Commitment to Peace and Security
The Joint Task Force has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to intensifying ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East region. The Military High Command commended the troops for their utmost professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo.
