Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
MAIDUGURI – Military forces in Nigeria’s North East have sustained a major offensive against armed groups, neutralising four terrorists, arresting suspected collaborators, and securing the surrender of a militant, officials have confirmed.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said the latest operations were carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY V, with troops engaging terrorists moving from Yale towards the notorious Sambisa Forest axis.
During the firefight, four terrorists were killed. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, along with food supplies believed to be part of the insurgents’ logistics chain.
Security sources confirmed no casualties on the military side.
In separate operations along key routes including Damboa–Maiduguri, Damboa–Gwoza, and the Goniri axis, sustained patrols successfully restricted terrorist movement and denied them room for manoeuvre.
Meanwhile, troops at Kanama arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a routine stop-and-search.
The suspects were found with clothing, personal effects, and digital materials suggesting links to insurgent networks. Both are now in custody for further questioning.
In a separate development, a suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighter surrendered at a checkpoint in Kukawa Local Government Area.
He claimed to have been abducted earlier this year and forced into joining the group.
He is currently being profiled by military intelligence.
The Theatre Command reassured the public of its commitment to restoring lasting peace, security, and economic stability to the North East, urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
In a statement released on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, said the military high command had commended troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to maintain the operational tempo.
