Army reports troops continue offensive against terrorists in North East to ensure a peaceful Eid al‑Adha.

The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, together with Operation Desert Sanity V/Siege Operations, reported sustained operational momentum across the theatre. The report highlighted the foiling of terrorist attacks, the killing of Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, the arrest of criminal collaborators, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the continued rescue and reunion of abducted civilians with their families.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Uba Sani, Media Information Officer of OPHK, announced a major operational development: troops successfully thwarted coordinated terrorist activities along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State.

The statement read, “Following the sighting of large numbers of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists through surveillance systems, troops swiftly engaged the hostile elements with offensive fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. Subsequent pursuit operations by Quick Response Forces further disrupted the terrorists’ movement, inflicting significant casualties and recovering 169 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. No casualties were recorded among our troops.”

It also reported that troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade of OPHK, in cooperation with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, carried out a successful ambush around Kasaicia village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. “During the operation, troops neutralised four Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and recovered two AK‑47 rifles with empty magazines,” the statement added.

In another encounter, troops of Sector 1 OPHK successfully foiled a terrorist attack along the Kirawa axis, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers while maintaining firm control of the battle space.

The statement further noted that troops conducted multiple coordinated offensive operations across various sectors within the theatre, including Damboa–Kanama, Damboa–Gwoza, Goniri axis, and FOB Azir. These actions effectively denied terrorists freedom of movement and reinforced operational dominance across key corridors.

“Troops also recorded significant successes in counter‑criminal operations,” the statement said. “In Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, troops swiftly arrested three suspected armed robbers at Gar Gwigwi village following credible intelligence. Items recovered include mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, a dagger, cash, and a dane gun, which was subsequently returned to its rightful owner after verification. The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.”

It reported that troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator during operations in Monguno, while another element of troops arrested a suspected drug peddler in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, seizing substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.

Sani also informed that the theatre recorded notable successes in ongoing rescue operations, rescuing additional abducted civilians along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis. The total number of rescued persons from the Ngoshe incident now stands at 69.

In a related development, a kidnapped civilian was rescued in the Gwoza axis. The individual disclosed that he escaped from terrorist captivity due to sustained military pressure and bombardment of terrorist enclaves within the Mandara Mountains.

The statement added, “In a further demonstration of humanitarian commitment, four civilians earlier rescued through collaboration with cross‑border partners were formally received, medically attended to, documented, and reunited with their families. In Sector 2 of OPHK, Damaturu, Yobe State, troops marked the Eid‑el‑Adha celebration with a well‑organised Sallah event hosted by the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Edet Effiong.”