By Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained aggressive offensive and stabilisation operations across the North East theatre, successfully thwarting a terrorist attack, neutralising insurgents, and rescuing abducted civilians during separate operations conducted between 20 and 21 February 2026.
In a major encounter, troops of Sector 1, while on fighting patrol, made contact with suspected JAS/ISWAP terrorists around Sabsawa village in Borno State. The troops responded with what military authorities described as overwhelming firepower, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray. During the subsequent exploitation of the area, five terrorists were neutralised.
In a related development, troops 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. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye. The victims have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further necessary action.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, said the troops also recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old suspected terrorist, Abubakar Abubakar, in Geidam, Yobe State. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing profiling and further investigation.
Across other sectors of OPHK, troops maintained an aggressive posture, conducting coordinated offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, vigilantes, and local hunters to deny terrorists freedom of movement. Military sources said the operations were largely hitch-free, with ongoing exploitation and surveillance continuing across the theatre.
The military high command commended the troops for their sustained morale and operational efficiency, assuring that pressure on terrorist elements would be maintained until lasting peace and economic stability are restored in the North East region.
