Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
TROOPS of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh gains in ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the theatre as part of Operation DESERT SANITY V.
In a statement issued on 14 February 2026 by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the military disclosed that significant successes were achieved in both Sector 1 and Sector 2 of the operation.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a night operation around Muktum and Ngirbuwa villages, where they neutralised scores of terrorists.
During the operation, two AK-47 rifles, three motorcycles and several mobile phones were recovered.
Further exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route reportedly revealed drag marks and a shallow grave, suggesting additional enemy casualties.
Similarly, troops in Sector 1 engaged fleeing terrorists along the Bulayobe–Darel Jamel axis as they attempted to cross the Main Supply Route.
The terrorists were said to have fled in disarray, abandoning two sacks containing assorted logistics items believed to be intended for insurgent elements.
While noting that the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, the statement affirmed that troops’ morale and operational efficiency remain high.
Headquarters OPHK reassured the public of its “unwavering commitment” to sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and economic stability are fully restored to the North-East region.
The military added that troops will continue to dominate their areas of responsibility and frustrate terrorist activities across the theatre of operations.
