Boko Haram Seizes Four Trailers, Rustles Over 100 Cows in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have intercepted four trailers and carted away over 100 cows in a brazen attack in Borno State, highlighting persistent security threats along major transport and livestock corridors in the North-East region.

The incident reportedly occurred in southern Borno, an area that has witnessed renewed terrorist movements despite sustained military operations by Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

According to local and security sources, the terrorists mounted roadblocks along a key route, stopping the trailers conveying cattle before forcing drivers and herders to abandon the vehicles. The attackers then herded the livestock into surrounding bushes, believed to be heading toward known terrorist hideouts.

Although no deaths were confirmed, the victims were said to have been traumatised, while the economic losses suffered by cattle owners and transporters are estimated to run into millions of naira.

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Security analysts note that cattle rustling has become a strategic source of funding, logistics, and food supply for Boko Haram and ISWAP, enabling the groups to sustain fighters, purchase weapons, and reward collaborators.

The attack is also seen as part of a broader effort by terrorists to disrupt food supply chains, weaken local economies, and undermine public confidence in security arrangements across rural Borno.

In response, security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrols along vulnerable routes, while intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track the perpetrators, recover the stolen cattle, and prevent further attacks.

Residents and commercial drivers have renewed calls for the deployment of more troops, establishment of additional military checkpoints, and enhanced air and ground patrols to secure highways and grazing routes frequently targeted by insurgents.

Despite sustained counter-insurgency pressure, security experts warn that isolated attacks, cattle theft, and ambushes remain key tactics used by terrorists to test military presence and maintain relevance.

The latest attack underscores the need for continuous military dominance, improved intelligence sharing, and community cooperation to fully degrade terrorist activities and restore economic stability in Borno State.

Boko Haram Seizes Four Trailers, Rustles Over 100 Cows in Borno

OPHK Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational success after neutralising 16 terrorists, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, and dismantling key Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics networks in Borno State.

The successful military operations took place across several flashpoints, including the Maiduguri–Damboa road, Gidan Kaji axis, Konduga Local Government Area, Bukarti, Buratai, and the Chibok–Damboa axis, following actionable intelligence and swift troop deployment.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the latest offensive followed a failed ISWAP attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno on 5 February 2026, which was decisively repelled by troops of Sector 1 using disciplined firepower and tactical precision.

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Capitalising on the failed assault, troops of OPHK, working in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a bold counter-offensive operation on 9 February 2026 along the Komala axis in Konduga LGA.

During the pursuit, the troops engaged retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis along the Maiduguri–Damboa road, where 16 terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled in disarray with severe gunshot injuries.

The operation also led to the recovery of over 20 bicycles, alongside a large cache of weapons, ammunition, logistics items, drugs, and supplies critical to sustaining terrorist operations in the North-East theatre.

In a further blow to terrorist logistics, troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers around the Bukarti axis, where a large quantity of drugs meant for terrorists was intercepted.

Relatedly, troops on the same day foiled a terrorist kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya–Biu road at about 5:20 pm. Upon detection, the terrorists were forced to abandon their captives and retreat into surrounding bushes.

Two victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and safely reunited with their families in Buratai.

Additionally, following a distress call later on 9 February 2026, troops responded swiftly along the Chibok–Damboa axis, successfully rescuing nine more kidnapped victims, bringing the total number of rescued civilians to 11.

The military said the latest successes have significantly degraded terrorist capabilities, disrupted ISWAP and Boko Haram logistics networks, and reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East region of Nigeria.

OPHK Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Borno

Former NAHCON Chief Explains Why He Stepped Down, Denies Conflicts

Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has explained why he resigned from his leadership position, stressing that the decision was driven entirely by personal reasons. His resignation became effective on Monday, 9 February 2026.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Usman clarified that his resignation was not due to disagreement with the government or NAHCON’s mandate, but followed careful reflection and consultation with his family. He described the decision as one made in good conscience and out of respect for the responsibilities of public service.

He formally submitted his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing Section 3(6) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2006, and thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the NAHCON board, staff, and partners, including State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, tour operators, and counterparts in Saudi Arabia, for their support during his tenure.

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Addressing circulating reports of internal friction at the commission, including a petition submitted by 11 board members in January seeking his removal, Usman maintained that his exit was voluntary and aimed at ensuring a smooth transition while keeping the focus on delivering a successful Hajj 2026 programme.

“This resignation is driven purely by personal considerations and reflects no dissatisfaction with the Commission, the government, or the noble mandate we have collectively pursued,” Usman emphasized, seeking to dispel speculation about conflicts or governance issues.

The former chairman’s statement has reassured stakeholders and the Muslim community that NAHCON’s operations and preparations for the upcoming Hajj season will continue without disruption.

Former NAHCON Chief Explains Why He Stepped Down, Denies Conflicts