Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, rescued nine abducted civilians, arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, and disrupted insurgent logistics networks in a series of operations across the North-East.
The Joint Task Force (North East) disclosed that the successes were recorded during offensive and security operations conducted between June 11 and 12, 2026, across various parts of the theatre.
In one of the operations, troops of Sector 2 conducting fighting and perimeter clearance patrols around the Amuda general area rescued three abducted children identified as Ali Usman, 15, Umar Ibrahim Abubakar, 15, and Fatima Abubakar, 12.
According to the military, preliminary investigations revealed that the children escaped from terrorist enclaves in Saha and Chinene within the Mandara Mountains following sustained military offensives against insurgent strongholds. The rescued children were later profiled, documented and reunited with community leaders in Ngoshe.
Similarly, troops of Sector 3 on June 12 responded to a terrorist kidnapping attempt along the Damasak-Gubio Main Supply Route and rescued six civilians abandoned by fleeing terrorists during a pursuit operation around Kareto.
The military also recorded operational gains against insurgent elements and logistics networks. Troops of 68 Battalion at Mallam Fatori reportedly ambushed suspected ISWAP scouts engaged in reconnaissance activities and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine containing 31 rounds of ammunition.
In another operation, troops at Check Point 61 intercepted 11 suspects travelling in two civilian vehicles under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to efforts aimed at recovering vehicles belonging to known terrorist logistics collaborators previously sighted supporting insurgent activities around Ali Sheriffti.
Troops of Sector 2 also arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier, identified as Malahi Liman Muhammad, along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari axis. Recovered items included herbicides, blankets, salt, food supplies, mobile phones and other materials believed to be intended for terrorist sustenance and operational support.
Meanwhile, in the early hours of June 12, heavily armed Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters launched a coordinated three-pronged assault on troops of Sector 1 deployed at the COP Bridge location.
The terrorists, operating with four gun trucks and several motorcycles, attacked simultaneously from the Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba axes. However, troops, supported by artillery and mortar fire, successfully repelled the assault and forced the attackers to retreat.
Follow-up exploitation operations along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes led to the recovery of three Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, seven High Explosive Anti-Tank rounds and other unexploded ordnance.
The military said bloodstains and body marks observed along the escape routes indicated that the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the failed attack.
One soldier sustained injuries from RPG fragments during the engagement and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest achievements reflect the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting insurgent logistics and protecting civilian populations across the North-East.
The military high command commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the region.
