Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), identified as Kuti Muhammad, over alleged collaboration with terrorist groups operating in the North-East. The arrest was made during ongoing counter-terrorism operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and strengthening security across the region.
The Media Information Officer, Lt Col Sani Uba also said Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded major operational successes across the North-East theatre, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of abducted victims, recovery of arms and explosives, as well as the arrest of suspected collaborators and criminals.
He said the operations were conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY and other ongoing counter-terrorism missions across the region.
According to him, troops supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) carried out coordinated offensives in the Valle, Ashigashiya and Gakara general areas, where they engaged suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in fierce gun battles.
During the encounters, two insurgents were neutralised while others reportedly fled towards the Ngoshe axis. Troops also intercepted suspected terrorists along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, killing another insurgent and recovering a radio set and mobile phone.
In a significant breakthrough, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda corridor rescued an eight-year-old boy, Abubakar Mublagha, who was abducted during the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community. The child was medically examined and reunited with his family.
Similarly, troops conducting operations around Uvaha village along the Gwoza–Limankara axis rescued a 20-year-old abducted Fulani man, Dahiru Ahamdu, who reportedly escaped from terrorist captivity following intense artillery bombardments on insurgent camps.
The victim disclosed that he was abducted on May 8, 2026 while grazing cattle at Bororo village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State before being held in a terrorist enclave within the Mandara Mountains. He has since been reunited with his family after medical evaluation.
In another operation around Buni Gari, troops acting on credible intelligence recovered a cache of explosive ordnance abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Magza area. Recovered items included four 40mm RPG bombs, one 81mm mortar bomb and four 60mm mortar bombs, which were safely secured by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
Elsewhere, troops responded to an armed robbery incident in Garin Gwigwi village in Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed and Adamu Aliyu.
Recovered items included mobile phones, suspected illicit substances, charms, jewellery, cash, a dagger, a Quran booklet and a locally made firearm. A stolen Dane gun was also recovered and returned to its owner after verification.
Additionally, troops working alongside local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market, recovering six rustled cattle.
The military said investigations into the various incidents are ongoing, while troops across the theatre continue to maintain aggressive operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action in the North-East.
The military high command commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and sustained operational successes, assuring residents of its commitment to restoring peace, security and socio-economic stability across the region.
