Nigerian Army sustains offensive operations in Northeast, neutralises terrorists, arrests suspects

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Army has announced fresh gains in its counter-terrorism campaign in the northeast, with troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), recording significant successes under Operation Desert Sanity V.

According to a statement issued on May 1, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, troops engaged terrorists moving from Yale towards the Sambisa Forest axis in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). Four terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, with troops recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and food items suspected to be part of terrorist logistics. The operation was concluded without casualties.

Sustained aggressive operations across key routes, including Damboa–Maiduguri, Damboa–Gwoza, and the Goniri axis, successfully denied terrorists freedom of movement and disrupted infiltration corridors.

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In a related development, troops deployed at Kanama arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a stop-and-search operation. The suspects were found with clothing, personal effects, and incriminating digital materials linked to terrorist logistics. They are currently in custody for further investigation.

Furthermore, troops recorded the surrender of a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP member at a checkpoint in Kukawa Local Government Area. The individual claimed he had been abducted earlier in the year and coerced into joining the group. He is undergoing profiling and further investigation.

The Theatre Command reassured the public of its commitment to restoring lasting peace, security, and economic stability in the region. Citizens were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.