Emmanuel Obi
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intensified counter-terrorism operations in Borno State, neutralising six terrorists, arresting 11 suspected collaborators and recording the defection of a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) member.
The operation, which underscores sustained pressure on terrorist groups and their support networks across the theatre, was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, at about 12:37 a.m. on October 25, 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 of Borno State.
The encounter led to the neutralisation of six terrorists. Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 169 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 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 a.m. on October 24, 2026, following earlier operations against suspected terrorist collaborators.
“The raid led to the arrest of six additional suspected collaborators, bringing the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the investigation to 11.”
“Items recovered during the raid include 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.”
Captain Goni said 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 p.m. on October 24, 2026, troops of 192 Battalion (Main), supported by Hybrid Force personnel deployed at Hambagda Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Gwoza LGA, received a JAS member who surrendered around Hambagda village along the Gwoza–Limankara road.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the individual 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.”
The Theatre Command reiterated 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.
It also urged members of the public 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.
