By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained aggressive offensive and stabilisation operations across the theatre, successfully thwarting a terrorist attack, neutralising insurgents, and rescuing kidnapped civilians in separate operations conducted between 20 and 21 February 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1, while on fighting patrol, made contact with suspected JAS/ISWAP terrorists around Sabsawa village in Borno State. The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. During exploitation of the area, five terrorists were neutralised.
In a related development, troops under Sector 1 deployed at Ngurosoye rescued three abducted children — Abba Abba (12), Fatima Abba (8), and Aisha Abba (6) — during a perimeter patrol in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye. The rescued children have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action.
Meanwhile, troops also recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old terrorist suspect, Abubakar Abubakar, at Geidam in Yobe State. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing profiling.
The statement further noted that across other sectors of Operation HADIN KAI, troops maintained an aggressive posture, conducting offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, vigilantes, and hunters to deny terrorists freedom of action. All operations were reported to be largely hitch-free, while exploitation and monitoring efforts continue across the theatre.
The military high command commended the troops for their sustained morale and fighting efficiency, assuring that pressure on terrorist elements will be maintained until lasting peace and economic stability are achieved in the North-East region.
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