The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a series of operational successes across the North-East, including the rescue of abductees, the repulsion of an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, and the disruption of terrorist logistics networks in Borno and Adamawa states.
In a statement on Wednesday, the military said the achievements were the result of sustained search-and-rescue operations, intelligence-led missions and coordinated security efforts aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement and operational capability.
According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting ongoing search-and-rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7, rescued two abductees from a terrorist hideout.
During the operation, the troops recovered ₦1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, as well as food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location, where they are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
In a separate operation, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists.
The military disclosed that although the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the fierce exchange of gunfire, the troops quickly regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.
The statement, however, noted that one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two military gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
It added that the situation at the base has been brought under full control, with reinforcements deployed to the area and exploitation operations ongoing to prevent further attacks.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area.
A follow-up operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies believed to have been intended for terrorist elements.
The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while the recovered exhibits remain in military custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a clearance operation on identified terrorist enclaves around Wulgo.
The operation led to the recovery of a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents after they withdrew from the area.
The military said the latest operations underscore the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist groups across the North-East, disrupting their logistics networks, restricting their movement and degrading their operational capabilities as Operation HADIN KAI continues efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
