Nigerian army frees March 3 kidnapping victims and detains suspected terrorist associates in the northeast.

The Nigerian Army units of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), operating under Operation Desert Sanity, have reported continued operational successes.

These successes include rescuing abducted civilians, reuniting families, and arresting suspected terrorist collaborators throughout the area.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, 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, the army said its OPHK troops deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama (40), during an operational engagement.

Items recovered from the suspect included 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 the appropriate authorities for further action.

Similarly, a follow‑up operation based on intelligence from ongoing investigations and communication intercepts saw OPHK troops under Sector 2, supported by Military Intelligence, arrest two additional suspects, Bakura (18) and Adiza (17), in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The statement added that the arrests were linked to an earlier operation that intercepted 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 continue to apprehend the terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North‑East region.

The military high command praised the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to maintain the current operational tempo.