Troops Foil Terror Attacks, Intercept Two Truckloads of Logistics, Arrest 17 Suspects in North-East
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded significant operational gains in the North-East, foiling multiple terrorist attacks, dismantling logistics networks, and arresting at least 17 suspects linked to insurgent activities between March 28 and 30, 2026.
The Joint Task Force disclosed that troops deployed in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State successfully thwarted a planned attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents after detecting their movement through surveillance systems. The troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat, while subsequent exploitation operations confirmed their withdrawal.
In separate operations, troops also repelled attempted attacks on farmers and communities in Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas, forcing the insurgents to flee towards the Mandara Mountains and adjoining areas.
As part of ongoing offensive operations, soldiers uncovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis. The device, intended to target troops and commuters, was rigged with materials including rail tracks used to channel vehicles into a killing zone, indicating sustained efforts by terrorists to disrupt movement along critical routes.
In a major crackdown on terrorist logistics, troops arrested two suspected collaborators at Molai after they were found loitering within a defensive perimeter under suspicious circumstances. Similarly, along the Maiduguri–Mafa road, troops intercepted vehicles conveying large consignments of suspected terrorist supplies.
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The items, equivalent to two truckloads, were concealed in sacks and comprised medical drugs, motorcycle tubes and tyres, mosquito nets, rolls of mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents. Preliminary investigations revealed the supplies were being transported without clearance towards Kusuri, a border community near Chad. The vehicles, drivers, and items have since been handed over for further investigation.
In another operation at Muna Garage, troops, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives, arrested a 26-year-old suspect, Mohammed Adamu. Recovered from him were 25 litres of engine oil concealed in sacks, N624,900 in cash, a mobile phone, a power bank, a national identity card, and ATM cards. Initial findings suggest he had been supplying logistics, including motorcycle parts, to insurgents over an extended period.
Further coordinated operations in Gubio, involving troops, intelligence operatives, and CJTF members, led to the arrest of 15 additional suspects linked to terrorist logistics supply chains. Some of the suspects reportedly confessed to long-term involvement in supporting insurgents.
At a checkpoint in Kilo Papa, troops arrested a suspected member of the JAS/ISWAP group, identified as Abubakar Ali, also known as “Saina,” while he was transiting to Maiduguri. Preliminary interrogation indicated he was on a reconnaissance mission. He has been handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation.
In a related development, troops apprehended a suspected kidnapper in the Azir area of Damboa Local Government Area. Clearance and cordon-and-search operations in Wulgo Junction and Gamboru Motor Park also led to the recovery of 450 wraps of suspected marijuana and other illicit substances, although suspected drug peddlers fled upon sighting troops.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and enhancing security and economic stability in the North-East region.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, on March 30, 2026.
