Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
TROOPS of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued six kidnapped women and children, reunited them with their families, and arrested several suspected terrorist collaborators in a series of coordinated operations across the region.
According to a statement released on 13 May 2026 by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the task force, the latest successes came as part of ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY.
In a well-coordinated operation near Amuda on 12 May 2026, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains rescued six abductees at a suspected terrorist crossing point. The victims — Aisha Musa (18), Aisha Mohammed (17), Fatima Yahaya (20), Saudatu Musa (4), Garba Mohammed (5), and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya — had been taken from the Ngoshe community during a Boko Haram and ISWAP attack on 3 March 2026.
The rescued individuals received immediate medical care at a military facility before being reunited with their families through the community leader (Bulama) of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
On the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 location in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a 40-year-old suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama. Items recovered from her included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes. Preliminary investigations suggest she was allegedly heading to Gezuwa to link up with four of her children, who are believed to be members of a terrorist group. She has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
In a follow-up operation based on intelligence from ongoing investigations and communication intercepts, troops from Sector 2, supported by military intelligence personnel, arrested two additional suspects in Damaturu, Yobe State. The suspects, identified as Bakura (18) and Adiza (17), are linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar (alias Modogol), who was apprehended while finalising plans to supply ammunition to terrorists.
Preliminary findings revealed that Adiza had been tasked with collecting ammunition from the earlier courier for onward delivery to a terrorist commander. Both suspects remain in custody, while efforts continue to apprehend the said commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
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 professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo.
