TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI THWART TERRORIST ATTACK, NEUTRALISE INSURGENTS, RESCUE ABDUCTED CHILDREN

By Abubakar Mala Gajibo 

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have sustained aggressive offensive and stabilisation operations across the theatre, successfully thwarting a terrorist attack, neutralising insurgents, and rescuing abducted children in separate operations conducted between 20 and 21 February 2026.

In a major encounter, troops of Sector 1, while on a fighting patrol, made contact with suspected JAS/ISWAP terrorists around Sabsawa village in Borno State. The troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray. During the subsequent exploitation of the area, five terrorists were neutralised.

Similarly, troops of OPHK under Sector 1, deployed at Ngurosoye, rescued three abducted children  Abba Abba (12), Fatima Abba (8), and Aisha Abba (6) during a perimeter patrol in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists and later moved to Bula-Daloye. The children have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action.

Meanwhile, troops also recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old terrorist suspect, Abubakar Abubakar, at Geidam in Yobe State. He is currently in custody for profiling and further investigation.

Across other sectors of OPHK, troops maintained an aggressive posture and conducted offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, vigilantes, and hunters to deny terrorists freedom of action. All operations were largely hitch-free, while exploitation and monitoring continue across the theatre.

The military high command commended the troops for their sustained morale and fighting efficiency, assuring that pressure on terrorist elements will be maintained until lasting peace and economic stability are achieved in the North East region.