Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued six abducted women and children and arrested several suspected terrorist collaborators during separate operations across the North East theatre.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, 13 May, 2026 said the operations were conducted under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY.
He said troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains rescued the abductees during a coordinated operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on May 12.
According to the statement, the victims were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the community on March 3, 2026.
The military said the rescued victims were immediately taken to a military medical facility for treatment before being reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, have continued to record significant operational successes, including the rescue of abducted civilians, reunification of families, and the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators across the theatre,” the statement read.
“In a recent development, troops acting on credible intelligence following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains, successfully rescued six abducted women and children during a well-coordinated operation at a suspected terrorist crossing point near Amuda on 12 May 2026.
“The rescued victims—Aisha Musa (18), Aisha Mohammed (17), Fatima Yahaya (20), Saudatu Musa (4), Garba Mohammed (5), and Mohammed Yahaya (3 months)—were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the community on 3 March 2026.
“Following their rescue, the victims were administered immediate medical care at a military facility and subsequently reunited with their families through the community leader (Bulama) of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
“In a separate operation on the same day, troops of OPHK deployed at Tango 7 location in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama (40), during an operational engagement.
“Items recovered from the suspect include detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect was allegedly en route to Gezuwa to link up with four of her children suspected to be members of the terrorist group.
“The suspect has been handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.
“Similarly, in a follow-up operation based on intelligence from ongoing investigations and communication intercepts, troops OPHK under Sector 2, supported by elements of Military Intelligence , arrested two additional suspects identified as Bakura (18) and Adiza (17) in Damaturu, Yobe State.
“The arrests are connected to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar (alias Modogol), who was apprehended while finalising plans to supply ammunition to terrorists.
“Preliminary findings revealed that Adiza had been tasked to collect ammunition from the earlier suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
“The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
“The Joint Task Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to intensifying ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East region.
“The Military High Command commends the troops for their utmost professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo.”
