The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has intensified counter-terrorism operations in Borno State, neutralising six Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)/Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, arresting 11 suspected terrorist collaborators and recording the defection of a JAS member.
A statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni Acting Military Information Officer HQ JTF north east operation hadin Kai said these successes underscore the sustained operational pressure being exerted on terrorist groups and their support networks across the theatre.
At about 12:37 am on 25 October 2026, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with Hybrid Force personnel, conducted an ambush against ISWAP/JAS terrorists along the Targejeri axis of Kaga Local Government Area (LGA), Borno State. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of six terrorists. Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 169 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Other items recovered were two Android phones, three button phones and charms.
In a related development, troops conducted a follow-up raid in Benisheikh town, Kaga LGA, at about 6:20 am on 24 October 2026, following earlier operations against suspected terrorist collaborators. The raid resulted in the arrest of six additional suspected collaborators, bringing the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the investigation to eleven, including the five arrested earlier.
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Items recovered during the raid included one AK-47 rifle, three empty magazines, 169 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three terrorist uniforms, one turban, one head mask, two Android phones, three button phones and charms. The suspects are undergoing investigation to establish the extent of their involvement in terrorist activities and identify possible links to other members of the network.
Similarly, at about 9:20 pm on 24 October 2026, troops of 192 Battalion (Main), supported by Hybrid Force personnel deployed at Hambagda Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Gwoza LGA, received one JAS member who surrendered around Hambagda village along the Gwoza–Limankara road.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the individual had escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Gwoza area of the Mandara Mountains to abandon terrorism. He surrendered with one AK-47 rifle and one magazine containing 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, among other items. The individual is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation and processing in accordance with established procedures.
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The latest successes demonstrate the sustained offensive posture, combat readiness and effective coordination of OPHK troops and Hybrid Force personnel in degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting support networks and encouraging defections from terrorist groups. The recovery of weapons and ammunition, coupled with the arrest of suspected collaborators, further reinforces the Theatre Command’s determination to deny terrorists the resources and support required to sustain their activities.
The Theatre Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations across the theatre, denying terrorists freedom of action and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced communities and the restoration of socio-economic activities. Members of the public are urged to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies in support of ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the North East.
