The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has announced fresh operational successes across the North-East, including the rescue of abductees, the repulsion of an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, and the arrest of several suspected terrorist logistics suppliers.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said the operations formed part of sustained search-and-rescue missions and intelligence-driven offensives aimed at weakening terrorist networks in the region.
According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abductees during a search-and-rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other supplies believed to have supported terrorist operations.
“The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving appropriate medical care and psychosocial support,” the statement said.
The military also disclosed that troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP fighters.
It explained that although the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter, soldiers regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.
The military, however, confirmed that one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
“The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with reinforcements deployed, exploitation operations ongoing and additional measures being implemented to further strengthen the defensive resilience of the location,” Goni stated.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected criminal in Gombi Local Government Area based on credible intelligence. A follow-up operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Items recovered included cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly intended for terrorist groups.
In another operation around Wulgo, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing terrorists during a clearance operation.
The military further disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members, accompanied by their families, voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector One.
Preliminary investigations indicated they fled terrorist enclaves at Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the group included N1.54 million in cash and two mobile phones.
The statement added that troops also arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint while transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.
In a separate operation under Sector Two, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, supported by local hunters, intercepted another suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State and recovered five motorcycle tyres believed to have been intended for insurgents.
Goni said the latest successes reflected the effectiveness of sustained military offensives, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies and local support groups.
“These latest operational gains underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and the seamless collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks, disrupting criminal activities and protecting vulnerable communities across the North East,” he said.
He assured residents that search-and-rescue operations would continue until all abducted persons were safely reunited with their families.
The military also warned individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transport or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorists would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
