The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded a series of major operational successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, including the rescue of abducted civilians, disruption of insurgent logistics networks, and the defeat of coordinated terrorist attacks across the North-East.
According to a statement issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the operations were conducted between June 11 and 12, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate security gains and sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating within the theatre.
A major breakthrough was recorded on June 11 when troops of Sector 2, conducting fighting and perimeter clearance patrols around the Amuda area, rescued three abducted children identified as Ali Usman (15), Umar Ibrahim Abubakar (15), and Fatima Abubakar (12).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children escaped from terrorist enclaves in Saha and Chinene within the Mandara Mountains, following sustained military offensives that have continued to weaken and dislodge insurgent strongholds in the region. After profiling and documentation, the children were safely reunited with community leaders in Ngoshe.
In a related development, troops of Sector 3 on June 12 successfully rescued six civilians after responding swiftly to a terrorist kidnapping attempt along the Damasak–Gubio Main Supply Route. The victims were abandoned by fleeing terrorists following an aggressive pursuit by troops around the Kareto area.
The military also recorded significant operational gains in counter-terrorism efforts. Troops of the 68 Battalion at Mallam Fatori thwarted an attempted reconnaissance mission by suspected ISWAP operatives after successfully ambushing the scouts. One AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine containing 31 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Similarly, troops of Sector 3 operating at Check Point 61 intercepted eleven suspects travelling in two civilian vehicles under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to attempts to recover vehicles belonging to known terrorist logistics collaborators previously sighted supporting insurgent activities around Ali Sheriffti.
Further demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier, Malahi Liman Muhammad, along the Mandaragirau–Sabon Gari axis. Recovered items included herbicides, blankets, salt, food supplies, mobile phones, and other materials believed to be intended for terrorist sustenance and operational support. The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 1 successfully repelled a coordinated three-pronged attack launched by heavily armed Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists against the COP Bridge location in the early hours of June 12.
The attackers, operating with four gun trucks and several motorcycles, launched simultaneous assaults from the Wurge, Manawaji, and Kinuba axes. However, troops, supported by timely artillery and mortar fire, mounted a determined defence that forced the terrorists into a disorderly retreat.
Subsequent exploitation operations along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes led to the recovery of three Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, seven High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds, and other unexploded ordnance. Ground traces, including bloodstains and body drag marks, indicated that the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the failed attack.
One soldier sustained injuries from RPG fragments during the engagement and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The military said the latest successes underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions, and robust security measures aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, denying insurgents freedom of movement, and protecting civilian populations.
It noted that continued ground offensives, aggressive patrols, precision engagements, and intelligence exploitation are steadily degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their logistics architecture, and forcing them into increasingly unsuccessful attacks.
The Military High Command commended the courage, professionalism, and dedication of troops and reassured the public that Operation Hadin Kai remains firmly in control of the operational environment and committed to restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across the North-East.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, on June 13, 2026.
