Troops rescue captives, neutralise terror threat in fresh North-East operations

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a series of major operational successes across Nigeria’s North-East, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, the disruption of terrorist logistics networks and the successful repulsion of a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on a military base in Borno State.

The military disclosed that one of the most significant operations occurred at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops successfully repelled a fierce assault launched by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

According to military authorities, the terrorists briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter during the attack. However, troops quickly reorganised, launched a counter-offensive and forced the insurgents into a disorderly retreat after inflicting heavy casualties on them.

The military said one soldier was killed in action during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some military equipment sustained damage.

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Despite the attack, authorities confirmed that the base remains firmly under military control, adding that reinforcements have been deployed to the area while follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing terrorists.

In another major success recorded on July 7, 2026, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abducted persons from a terrorist hideout in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the operation, the troops recovered ₦1.2 million, food items and other logistics believed to have been used in supporting terrorist activities.

The rescued victims have since been evacuated for medical attention and psychosocial care.

The military also announced several arrests aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks across the North-East.

In Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected notorious criminal and recovered one 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 during the operation included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials and other supplies allegedly intended for terrorist elements.

In a separate clearance operation around Wulgo, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), recovered a sack containing suspected illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing terrorists.

Meanwhile, in Gwoza Local Government Area, six suspected ISWAP members and their family members voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion.

The military said the surrendered individuals handed over N1.54 million, two mobile phones and other items during the surrender process.

In another operation within the area, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint while he was transporting a large quantity of unauthorised medical supplies believed to be destined for terrorist groups.

Elsewhere, in Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, working in collaboration with local hunters, arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation led to the recovery of five motorcycle tyres, which security authorities believe were meant to support terrorist operations.

The military said all arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

It reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting supply chains and restoring lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East through sustained intelligence-driven operations.