The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has continued to consolidate its operational dominance across the North-East, recording significant successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists through a series of well-coordinated offensive and security operations conducted between 11 and 12 June 2026.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M Sani acting media information officer HQ JTF North East operation hadin Kai said the operations resulted in the rescue of abducted civilians, arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers, recovery of arms and operational stores, as well as the decisive defeat of multiple terrorist attempts to undermine security within the theatre.
In a major humanitarian and operational success, troops of Sector 2, while conducting fighting and perimeter clearance patrols around the Amuda general area on 11 June 2026, rescued three abducted children identified as Ali Usman (15), Umar Ibrahim Abubakar (15), and Fatima Abubakar (12). Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims escaped from terrorist enclaves at SAHA and CHINENE in the Mandara Mountains following sustained military offensives that have continued to degrade and dislocate insurgent strongholds across the region. After profiling and documentation, the children were safely reunited with community leaders in Ngoshe. Similarly, on 12 June 2026, troops of Sector 3 swiftly responded to a terrorist kidnapping attempt along the Damasak–Gubio Main Supply Route and successfully rescued six civilians abandoned by fleeing terrorists following aggressive troop pursuit around the Kareto area.
In further demonstrations of operational effectiveness, troops of 68 Battalion at Mallam Fatori thwarted an attempted terrorist reconnaissance mission after successfully ambushing suspected ISWAP scouts and recovering an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine containing 31 rounds of ammunition. Concurrently, troops of Sector 3 operating at Check Point 61 intercepted eleven suspects travelling in two civilian vehicles under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary investigations linked the individuals to attempts at recovering vehicles belonging to known terrorist logistics collaborators previously sighted supporting insurgent activities around Ali Sheriffti. In a related operation, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier, Malahi Liman Muhammad, along the Mandaragirau–Sabon Gari axis. Recovered items included large quantities of herbicides, blankets, salt, food supplies, mobile phones, and other materials suspected to be intended for terrorist sustenance and operational support. The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.
The resilience and combat superiority of OPHK troops were once again demonstrated in the early hours of 12 June 2026 when heavily armed Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists mounted a coordinated three-pronged attack against troops of Sector one at the COP Bridge location. The terrorists, operating with four gun trucks and several motorcycles, launched simultaneous assaults from the Wurge, Manawaji, and Kinuba axes. However, the attack was decisively repelled through the gallant resistance of troops, reinforced by timely artillery and mortar fire support. The terrorists were forced into a disorderly retreat, abandoning large quantities of combat equipment. Subsequent exploitation operations along their withdrawal route led to the recovery of three Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, seven High Explosive Anti-Tank rounds, and other unexploded ordnance. Ground traces, including dragged bloodstains and body marks, indicated significant enemy casualties during the failed assault. Regrettably, one soldier sustained injuries from RPG fragments and is currently receiving medical attention.
These latest successes further underscore the effectiveness of OPHK’s ongoing offensive operations and intelligence-driven campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, denying insurgents freedom of action, and protecting civilian populations. The cumulative impact of sustained ground offensives, aggressive patrols, precision engagements, and robust intelligence exploitation continues to weaken terrorist capabilities, disrupt their logistics architecture, and compel them into increasingly desperate and unsuccessful attacks. The Military High Command commends the courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the troops and reassures the public that OPHK remains firmly in control of the operational environment and resolute in its mission to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability across the North-East.
