60 abductees rescued as troops neutralise terrorists, arrest Boko Haram collaborators in North East

Crime Diary

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — 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 in sustained operations across the North East under Operation DESERT SANITY.

The victims, who were rescued during a clearance operation along the Mandara Mountains axis on May 14, 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.

According to a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the operation was carried out at a suspected terrorist crossing point along the Amuda–Gava corridor following credible intelligence.

The statement said the victims, all residents of Ngoshe community, had been held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists before their rescue by troops.

It added that the rescued civilians were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, and given medical attention at the Brigade Medical Reception Station before being reunited with their families through the community leader, Mallam Bulama Kunda, and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, Mallam Auwalu Hudu.

“The Commander assured residents of Ngoshe community that troops will sustain ongoing rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families,” the statement said.

It noted that a total of 60 women and children had so far been rescued since the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community.

The military said prayers were also offered for the success of troops in ongoing operations, while personnel continued to maintain what it described as an aggressive operational posture in the area.

In separate operations across the theatre, troops reportedly neutralised terrorists and arrested suspected collaborators in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno and parts of Yobe State.

The statement disclosed that troops of Sector 1 conducted a successful raid at Bazamri village in Konduga LGA, killing two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.

Recovered items included detergent, salt and a carton of spaghetti believed to be logistics supplies intended for insurgents.

“No own troops’ casualties were recorded, and troops have since repositioned to sustain offensive pressure,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, troops deployed at Mainé checkpoint in Yobe State arrested a suspected Boko Haram collaborator identified as Ibrahim Alhaji Julo, 30.

The suspect was intercepted in a red Golf vehicle with registration number KTG-397AA from Bauchi State.

Preliminary investigations indicated that he allegedly used the vehicle to transport terrorist elements and facilitate illegal tax collection within communities.

Troops recovered a mobile phone and cash from the suspect, who remains in custody for further investigation.

The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians and restoring peace and economic stability across the North East.

The military high command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience and operational successes, urging them to sustain the current momentum in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.