Troops of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intensified the war against insurgency in the North-East, killing terrorists, rescuing abducted civilians and arresting key suspects, including a suspected arms courier caught with 700 rounds of ammunition in a series of coordinated operations across Borno, Adamawa and Bauchi states.
The latest military offensive, conducted between 30 March and 2 April 2026, targeted Boko Haram (BH), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS) elements, with troops also foiling a mass abduction along the Buratai–Kamuya Road and dismantling suspected logistics and support networks linked to terror activities in the region.
According to him, the sustained operations led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists across the theatres, the arrest of more than 20 suspects — including terrorists, collaborators, arms couriers, illegal miners and drug traffickers — as well as the rescue of several civilians from kidnappers and terrorist captivity.
In Borno State, troops on 30 March ambushed terrorists at a crossing point in Gwoza Local Government Area, intercepting insurgents mounted on motorcycles and forcing them to abandon one motorcycle, a Tavor rifle magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition.
In a separate operation in the Pridang general area, also in Gwoza LGA, troops on fighting patrol engaged terrorists and neutralised one insurgent.
On the same day, troops stationed at Dutsen Kura in Biu LGA, using CCTV surveillance, observed terrorists abducting civilians from 17 vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road. Troops swiftly mobilised, pursued the attackers and forced them to abandon the captives, successfully rescuing the victims.
Further gains were recorded on 1 April when troops, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, ambushed a suspected terrorist crossing point around the Gadangari axis in Bama LGA of Borno State. During the operation, eight terrorists were neutralised, while their logistics suppliers were intercepted without any casualty on the side of the troops.
Also in Borno, troops at Forward Operating Base Azir apprehended two teenage boys who reportedly escaped from a terrorist camp at Dusula due to harsh living conditions. The boys were subsequently profiled for further action.
In Adamawa State, troops carried out a cordon-and-search operation at Angwan Rami in Mubi North LGA, leading to the arrest of three suspected terrorists. One of the suspects, identified as Alhaji Saleh, reportedly confessed to participating in the attack on Ngoshe, acting as a double agent, and planning an attack on Mubi Barracks to steal weapons.
In another breakthrough, troops acting on intelligence arrested a notorious kidnapper and terrorist leader at Mansur Village in Toungo LGA of Adamawa State. The suspect was said to be linked to recent attacks on military locations in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), troops intercepted and arrested a suspected arms courier at the Malmo Checkpoint near the Headquarters SOC Base/Airport in Bauchi. The suspect was found in possession of 700 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and fake identity documents.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement detailing military operations conducted between 30 March and 2 April 2026 across various theatres.
The military said the operations underscore the renewed offensive against terrorist networks and criminal elements in the North-East and adjoining areas, as security forces continue efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
