Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued six abducted women and children, neutralised terrorists, and arrested suspected collaborators during sustained operations across the North-East under Operation DESERT SANITY.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the rescue operation was carried out on May 14, 2026, along the Amuda–Gava corridor in the Mandara Mountains axis following credible intelligence on terrorist movements.
The rescued victims, all from Ngoshe community, were identified as Amina Salihu, 52; Aishatu Musa, 50; twin sisters Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, both aged nine; Adamu Zakariyya, 12; and Usman Zakariyya, 10.
The victims, who had been held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, were received by the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Nasirudeen Abdullahi, and given medical attention before being reunited with their families through community leaders.
The military said a total of 60 women and children have now been rescued since the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community.
In separate operations, troops also neutralised two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters during clearance missions at Bazamri village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Recovered items included detergent, salt, and a carton of spaghetti believed to be intended for insurgents’ logistics support.
Meanwhile, troops at the Mainé checkpoint in Yobe State arrested a suspected Boko Haram collaborator identified as Ibrahim Alhaji Julo, 30.
He was intercepted in a red Golf vehicle with registration number KTG-397AA from Bauchi State. Preliminary investigations revealed he allegedly used the vehicle to transport terrorist elements and aid illegal tax collection activities.
Recovered from the suspect were a mobile phone and cash, while investigations continue.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring peace and stability across the North-East.
