Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, recording major successes including the arrest of suspected terrorists and logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the disruption of insurgent supply networks.
The military said the operations, conducted in conjunction with Operation Desert Sanity V, have significantly weakened the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Thursday.
According to a statement, troops carried out a series of intelligence-driven and surveillance operations that targeted terrorist logistics networks and criminal collaborators sustaining insurgent activities in the region.
One of the operations occurred at Benisheikh Market in Borno State, where troops working alongside Forest Guards arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier identified as Girema Aliko, 40.
The suspect, who had reportedly been on a security watchlist, was intercepted while transporting 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The military said the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to supplying fuel and other logistical support to terrorist groups operating in the area.
In a separate operation within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, troops of the 7 Division Provost Group arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier and informant, Mohammed Bulama, 25, at Ngawom in the Muna Garage area.
Investigations revealed his links with terrorist elements, while the suspect has indicated a willingness to provide intelligence to security agencies.
The military also announced the arrest of an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who allegedly deserted his unit with his service rifle.
He was apprehended in Maiduguri, and preliminary findings linked him to criminal activities, including armed robbery, during the period of his absence.
His weapon and magazines have since been recovered, while investigations and military disciplinary procedures continue.
Earlier operations in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and member of a criminal syndicate.
According to the military, the suspect admitted involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities and disclosed links between criminal gangs and terrorist groups through the circulation of weapons recovered from neutralised insurgents.
Troops also arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier in the Gubio axis while he was transporting large quantities of food items allegedly destined for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, further disrupting supply chains supporting insurgent operations.
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In Adamawa State, troops working with local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who reportedly confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in parts of Borno and Adamawa states.
The military also recorded progress in its ongoing disarmament and surrender programme as a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter surrendered to troops in the Kukawa axis alongside two children, citing sustained military pressure.
Meanwhile, troops conducting offensive operations in the Damboa axis discovered several deserted terrorist camps.
During the operation, soldiers recovered rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and PKT ammunition, further degrading the fighting capability of insurgent groups.
As part of ongoing stabilisation efforts and adherence to legal procedures, the military handed over 13 detainees to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Operation Hadin Kai said the cumulative impact of the operations has significantly disrupted terrorist networks, weakened their logistics base and reduced their freedom of movement across the North-East.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting lives and property, and consolidating security gains aimed at restoring lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
The military also commended troops for their professionalism and resilience, noting that morale remains high as security forces continue efforts to eliminate terrorism and criminality across the theatre of operations.
