By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled multiple terrorist attacks and intensified offensive operations against insurgent logistics networks, recording significant successes across the theatre between 28 and 30 March 2026. In a major operational breakthrough, troops deployed at Damboa thwarted a planned Boko Haram/ISWAP attack after detecting terrorists’ movement through surveillance systems.
The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to withdraw in disarray, while follow-up exploitation operations confirmed their retreat.
Similarly, troops successfully repelled attempted attacks on farmers and communities in Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to flee towards the Mandara Mountains and adjoining areas.
In continuation of offensive operations, troops uncovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis, intended to target troops and commuters.
Recovered materials, including rail tracks used to canalise vehicles into a killing zone, highlight ongoing terrorist efforts to disrupt movement along critical routes.
Troops also recorded major successes in dismantling terrorist logistics supply chains. At Molai, two suspected Boko Haram collaborators were arrested while loitering within a defensive area under suspicious circumstances.
Equally, in Maiduguri, troops intercepted vehicles conveying large quantities of suspected terrorist logistics supplies along the Maiduguri–Mafa road. The consignments, equivalent to two truckloads, were concealed in sacks and included cartons of medical drugs, motorcycle tubes and tyres, mosquito nets, rolls of mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents.
Preliminary investigation revealed the items were being transported without clearance towards Kusuri, a border community near Chad. The vehicles, drivers, and items have been handed over for further investigation.
Additionally, troops of OPHK, in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives, arrested a suspected logistics supplier, Mohammed Adamu (26), at Muna Garage. Items recovered from him include 25 litres of engine oil concealed in sacks, the sum of N624,900, a mobile phone, power bank, national identity card, and ATM cards.
Preliminary findings indicate he had been supplying logistics, including motorcycle parts, to terrorists over an extended period. In a related development, troops of OPHK deployed at Gubio, alongside intelligence operatives and CJTF, conducted targeted operations, leading to the arrest of 13 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators.
Similarly, two additional suspects were apprehended in the same area and confessed to long-term involvement in supplying logistics to terrorists.
In another operation, troops arrested a suspected member of JAS/ISWAP terrorist group, identified as Abubakar Ali, alias “Saina,” at Kilo Papa checkpoint while transiting to Maiduguri.
Further interrogation revealed that the suspect was on a suspected reconnaissance mission. He has been handed over to appropriate authorities for detailed investigation.
Troops also arrested a suspected kidnapper in Azir area of Damboa Local Government Area. Furthermore, clearance and cordon-and-search operations conducted in Wulgo Junction, Gamboru Motor Park, and surrounding areas led to the recovery of 450 wraps of suspected marijuana and other illicit substances, while suspected drug peddlers fled on sighting troops.
The Military High Command commends the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and professional conduct, urging them to sustain the operational tempo to clear and deny terrorists freedom of action across the theatre of operations. This is in the security interest and economic stability of the North East region.
