Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
TROOPS from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a string of operational successes across the theatre, including foiling a large-scale terrorist assault, arresting suspected collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims and securing the surrender of terrorist associates.
In a key development, soldiers stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajibo successfully repelled a co-ordinated attack by a significant force of suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, who advanced on the town from multiple directions aboard motorcycles and armed with support weapons.
The assailants were detected as they approached, prompting troops to respond swiftly with heavy firepower, including mortar engagements, which forced the attackers to withdraw in disarray. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of ammunition and combat accessories. No casualties were reported among government forces.
In related operations, troops working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Gubio town. The suspects, both cattle herders, are currently in custody and undergoing further questioning.
Separately, acting on credible intelligence obtained from a surrendered terrorist associate, soldiers arrested a suspected logistics supplier identified as Umar Ahmadu in Gwoza. The suspect reportedly confessed to supplying items to terrorists on multiple occasions and is now under interrogation.
Earlier, a 17-year-old family member of a terrorist surrendered to troops along the Gwoza–Limankara axis after escaping from an insurgent enclave in the Mandara Mountains. Preliminary findings suggest sustained military pressure and a lack of basic necessities within the enclave contributed to his decision to give himself up.
In a further demonstration of operational effectiveness, troops intercepted and rescued two male victims who had been kidnapped from Mafa town. The pair escaped from captivity under conditions of poor visibility and have since been handed over for medical evaluation and appropriate action.
Military sources said the co-ordinated operations underscored the sustained pressure being applied to terrorist networks, targeting their mobility, logistics chains and support structures.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ongoing operations aimed at defeating terrorism and restoring lasting security, peace and economic stability across the North East region.
Source: Statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, 19 May 2026.
