Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational successes under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, including the rescue of abducted civilians, family reunifications, and the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators in the North East.
The military disclosed that troops, acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains, rescued six abducted women and children during a coordinated operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on 12 May 2026.
The rescued victims were identified as Aisha Musa (18), Aisha Mohammed (17), Fatima Yahaya (20), Saudatu Musa (4), Garba Mohammed (5), and Mohammed Yahaya (3 months). According to the military, the victims were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the community on 3 March 2026.
The victims were immediately taken to a military medical facility for treatment before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
In a separate operation conducted the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State arrested a suspected terrorist associate identified as Hauwa Bulama, 40.
Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly travelling to Gezuwa to meet four of her children believed to be members of the terrorist group.
Meanwhile, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, supported by Military Intelligence personnel, also arrested two additional suspects, Bakura (18) and Adiza (17), in Damaturu, Yobe State, during a follow-up intelligence-led operation.
The arrests were linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was allegedly planning to supply ammunition to terrorists.
Military authorities said preliminary findings indicated that Adiza had been assigned to collect ammunition from the suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring peace and security across the North East.
The Military High Command also commended troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational momentum.
