Troops rescue kidnap victims, arrest suspected Boko Haram collaborators

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have intensified military offensives across the North East, rescuing six kidnapped women and children, killing suspected terrorists and arresting suspected Boko Haram collaborators in a series of coordinated operations.

The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Headquarters (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

According to the military, the operation was carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security in troubled communities in the region.

The Army said troops launched one of the major operations on May 14, 2026, after acting on “credible intelligence” about movements around suspected terrorist crossing points along the Amuda–Gava corridor in the Mandara Mountains axis.

During the raid, soldiers reportedly “successfully intercepted and rescued six abducted women and children” abducted from Ngoshe community by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

The rescued victims were identified as Amina Salihu, 52; Aishatu Musa, 50; twin sisters Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, both nine; Adamu Zakariyya, 12; and Usman Zakariyya, 10.

Military authorities said the victims were immediately detained for medical treatment and post-operative rehabilitation.

According to the statement, the rescued civilians were received by the Brigade Commander of Task Force 26, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, and “provided medical treatment at the Brigade Medical Reception Post” before being reunited with their relatives.

The handover process was reportedly facilitated through community leaders, including Mallam Bulama Kunda and the High Priest of Ngoshe, Mallam Auwalu Hudu.

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The commander assured residents that troops would “continue rescue operations until all the abducted people can be safely reunited with their families.”

The Army further revealed that “a total of Sixty women and children have been rescued” since terrorists attacked the Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.

The military noted that special prayers were also offered for the troops by the Chief Imam “as the troops continue to maintain an aggressive posture in the area.”

In addition to the rescue operations, troops also recorded additional battlefield successes in Konduga Local Government Area of ​​Borno State, where soldiers engaged suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during a clearance mission.

The Army stated that Sector 1 troops carried out coordinated attacks around Bazamri village in Konduga LGA, resulting in “neutralization of two Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.”

During the operation, soldiers reportedly found foodstuffs and supplies believed to be intended for rebels, including “logistical supplies such as detergent, salt and boxes of spaghetti.”

The military authority added that “no army casualties were recorded,” and noted that troops had “changed positions to maintain offensive pressure” on the fleeing rebels.

In a separate operation in Yobe State, troops stationed at Mainé checkpoint arrested a suspected Boko Haram collaborator identified as 30-year-old Ibrahim Alhaji Julo.

The arrest, according to the Army, was made following intelligence reports linking the suspect to terrorist logistics and illegal activities in the affected communities.

The statement revealed that the suspect was intercepted in a “red Golf vehicle with registration number KTG-397AA (Bauchi State),” while preliminary findings indicated that he allegedly “used his vehicle to convey terrorist elements and facilitate illegal tax collection in the community.”

Items recovered from the suspect included “a cell phone and some money,” while the suspect and the recovered evidence remain in military custody for further investigation.

Reaffirming its commitment to ongoing counterterrorism operations, the Joint Task Force assured residents that troops will continue aggressive offensives aimed at crippling insurgent activities across the region.

The military said it remains committed to “sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing kidnapped civilians, denying terrorists freedom of action, and restoring lasting peace, security and economic stability in the Northeast region.”

The high command also praised the troops for their “professionalism, resilience and continued operational success,” while urging personnel to maintain momentum in the ongoing fight against terrorism.