The Nigerian military has achieved notable victories in its ongoing campaign against insurgency in the Northeast. According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), troops have rescued kidnapped individuals, detained terrorist accomplices, confiscated weapons, and seen an increasing number of insurgent relatives turning themselves in.
During a patrol along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area, soldiers intercepted and freed four abductees: Salamatu Sidiq Ali (19), Halima Idrisa (20), Umar Abdullahi (3), and Mustapha Abdullahi (4). These individuals had been seized during a terrorist assault on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. Investigations suggest that the hostages were held in a terrorist camp but were liberated as military pressure escalated on hideouts in the Mandara Mountains. After medical checks, the freed victims were returned to their families via community leaders. To date, 65 abducted persons have been rescued, with efforts ongoing to free more.
In another development, troops at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, arrested a suspected terrorist supporter, Mrs. Kellu Alhaji Abba (50). She was found with clothing and other supplies believed destined for a terrorist operative in the Dumba area. Similarly, along the Dalori axis, soldiers detained Mr. Amadu Abdu (50), a suspected logistics supplier transporting a large quantity of packaged goods allegedly for insurgents. Further inquiry revealed he provided supplies to terrorists in return for grazing rights. Seized items included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit drugs, and cash.
Additionally, troops cooperating with local hunters apprehended four individuals suspected of cattle rustling and collaborating with terrorists at Kwaya Kusar Market. The suspects were caught with stolen livestock and are now being interrogated.
The military also reported the surrender of family members linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. Among them are Aishatu Sale (20), who gave herself up in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar (70), who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains. Both stated that relentless military operations and a lack of basic necessities in terrorist camps drove their decision to flee. They have been processed and are undergoing standard procedures.
In related actions, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine along a known terrorist escape route, further weakening insurgent capabilities.