Troops Sustain Rescue Operations for Ngoshe Abductees, Kill Several Terrorists

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), operating under Operation DESERT SANITY and related missions, have recorded significant operational successes across the theatre, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of abducted persons, recovery of arms and ammunition, and arrest of criminal collaborators. The military high command has commended troops for their impressive battle performance and urged them to sustain the operational tempo in the security, peace, and economic interest of the North-East region and Nigeria as a whole, according to a press statement signed by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI.

In a major breakthrough, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area successfully intercepted and rescued four abducted persons comprising two women and two children. The rescued victims were identified as Salamatu Sidiq Ali (19), Halima Idrisa (20), Umar Abdullahi (3), and Mustapha Abdullahi (4). These victims were among residents abducted during the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. Preliminary debriefing revealed that the victims had been held at a terrorist enclave but were rescued amid intense military pressure on insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains. Following medical evaluation, the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families through community leadership. According to the military statement, a total of 65 abducted persons have been rescued so far, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of others still in captivity.

The March 3 attack on Ngoshe was devastating. Reports indicate that over 400 women and children were taken by Boko Haram insurgents during the assault that occurred during the Ramadan period when most community members were breaking their fast. The terrorists moved their captives into the Mandara Mountains, a difficult rocky terrain where visibility is hazy. Two months later, surviving residents, families, and relatives say they remain traumatised and in grief as they have lost contact with their abducted loved ones. Prior to the latest rescue, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains had successfully rescued six abducted women and children on May 12, 2026, including Aisha Musa (18), Aisha Mohammed (17), Fatima Yahaya (20), Saudatu Musa (4), Garba Mohammed (5), and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya.

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Further demonstrating operational effectiveness, troops conducting offensive operations along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor rescued an eight-year-old boy abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack. The victim, identified as Abubakar Mublagha, was medically evaluated and reunited with his family. In a related development, troops of OPHK conducting operations around Uvaha, a deserted village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani man identified as Dahiru Ahamdu. The victim disclosed that he escaped from his captors following intense artillery bombardments by troops which struck terrorist camps, neutralised two insurgents, and created panic within the enclave. He further revealed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026, while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and subsequently held in a terrorist hideout within the Mandara Mountains. The victim has since undergone medical examination and was successfully reunited with his family through community leadership.

In sustained offensive operations, troops of OPHK supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) conducted coordinated offensives in the Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara general areas. During the operations, troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, neutralising two insurgents while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis. The area was subsequently cleared, with no casualties recorded among own troops. Similarly, troops operating along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis intercepted suspected terrorists and engaged them effectively, neutralising one insurgent. Items recovered from the encounter included a radio set and a mobile phone. In a separate night ambush operation conducted at about 11:05 pm on May 13, 2026, troops killed two suspected ISWAP fighters in Bazamri village, Konduga Local Government Area – an area described as a major crossing route for ISWAP members. After the operation, soldiers searched the area and recovered items believed to be supplies meant for the terrorists, including 54 packs of 80-gram detergent, 32 packs of 500-gram salt, and one carton of spaghetti. Military authorities said no soldier was injured or killed during the operation.

In a separate operation, troops of OPHK deployed at Buni Gari, acting on credible intelligence, recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza general area. Items recovered include four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb, and four 60mm mortar bombs. The explosives were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. In the same vein, troops on operation recovered one AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine along a known terrorist withdrawal route, further degrading the operational capabilities of insurgents.

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On the arrest of criminal collaborators, troops of OPHK arrested a suspected collaborator identified as Kuti Muhammad, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) , over alleged links with terrorist elements. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation. Troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator, Mrs. Kellu Alhaji Abba (50), at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, with items including clothing materials and other supplies intended for delivery to a terrorist operative in the Dumba general area. Similarly, troops arrested another suspected logistics supplier, Mr. Amadu Abdu (50), along the Dalori axis, intercepting him while transporting a large quantity of packaged items allegedly meant for insurgents. Further investigation revealed that he had been supplying logistics to insurgents in exchange for access to grazing areas. Recovered items included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit substances, and cash.

On May 12, 2026, troops deployed at Tango 7 location in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a 40-year-old woman identified as Hauwa Bulama, suspected to be associated with terrorist elements. Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly on her way to Gezuwa to meet four of her children believed to be members of a terrorist group. The suspect has been handed over to appropriate authorities for further action. In a follow-up operation based on intelligence from ongoing investigations and communication intercepts, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, supported by military intelligence personnel, arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura (18) and Adiza (17) in Damaturu, Yobe State capital. The arrests 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 in Sambisa Forest. Preliminary findings revealed that Adiza had been tasked to collect ammunition from the earlier suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.

Troops of OPHK also swiftly responded to a reported armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu. Items recovered include mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet, and a locally made firearm. A Dane gun earlier reported stolen was recovered and returned to its rightful owner after verification. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices. Additionally, troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market with six rustled cattle. The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

On the surrender of terrorists and their family members, a suspected ISWAP fighter surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area on May 7, 2026, at about 12:35 pm while soldiers were carrying out picketing duties along the Gwoza–Limankara road. The suspect told troops that he escaped from the Drume terrorist camp located around the Mandara Mountains area. Troops reportedly recovered N3,500 from him at the time of surrender. The suspect is currently being held by the military for profiling, interrogation, and other necessary procedures. Security analysts say there has been a growing number of terrorists surrendering in recent months due to sustained military operations and pressure on insurgent hideouts across the North-East. Troops also recorded the surrender of family members linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, including Aishatu Sale (20) , who surrendered in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar (70) , who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains. The surrendered individuals disclosed that sustained military pressure and lack of basic necessities within terrorist camps compelled their decision to flee. All surrendered persons have been profiled and are undergoing appropriate procedures.

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. Operation HADIN KAI reiterates its commitment to restoring peace, security, and economic stability in the North-East region and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to neutralise threats and safeguard lives and property. The Military High Command commends troops for their impressive battle performance and urged them to sustain the operational tempo in the security, peace, and economic interest of the North-East region and Nigeria as a whole.

Troops Sustain Rescue Operations for Ngoshe Abductees, Kill Several Terrorists