Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded major operational gains in the ongoing counterterrorism campaign across the North East, successfully repelling a coordinated terrorist attack, arresting suspected collaborators and rescuing kidnapped victims in a series of operations targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP elements.

In one of the most significant breakthroughs, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Gajibo, Borno State, foiled what military authorities described as a coordinated assault by heavily armed Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters who advanced toward the town on motorcycles from multiple directions.

According to military sources, the terrorists attempted to overwhelm the troops using support weapons, but soldiers responded swiftly with intense firepower, including mortar bombardments, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray before they could penetrate the town.

Following the failed assault, troops conducted exploitation operations around the area and recovered ammunition as well as other combat accessories abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. No casualties were recorded among the troops during the encounter.

The latest offensive forms part of intensified operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, cutting off logistics channels and disrupting insurgent mobility across the North East theatre.

In a related operation, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Gubio town. The suspects, identified as cattle rearers, are currently in military custody undergoing further interrogation.

Security operatives also arrested a suspected logistics supplier, Umar Ahmadu, in Gwoza after acting on intelligence obtained from a surrendered terrorist associate. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly supplied items to terrorist groups on several occasions.

Military authorities disclosed that the suspect confessed during interrogation and is currently assisting investigators with further intelligence.

The military also recorded another surrender linked to sustained pressure on insurgent enclaves in the Mandara Mountains. A 17-year-old relative of a terrorist reportedly escaped from the enclave and surrendered to troops along the Gwoza–Limankara axis.

Preliminary investigations suggested that worsening conditions within the insurgent hideout, including shortages of food and basic supplies caused by ongoing military offensives, influenced the teenager’s decision to surrender.

In another development, troops intercepted and rescued two male kidnap victims who had been abducted from Mafa town. The victims reportedly escaped from captivity under poor visibility conditions before being located by security forces. They have since been handed over for medical evaluation and further support.

Military authorities said the operations demonstrate the increasing effectiveness of coordinated offensives targeting terrorist strongholds, logistics networks and support structures across the North East.

“The Joint Task Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at defeating terrorism and restoring lasting security, peace and economic stability across the North East region,” the military said.