Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled multiple terrorist attacks and disrupted insurgent logistics networks across Borno and other North East states, recording major operational successes between March 28 and 30, 2026.
In a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, on March 30, 2026, the military detailed the operational successes, including the interception of terrorist logistics and arrests of suspected insurgents (NAN).
In a significant breakthrough, troops deployed at Damboa thwarted a planned Boko Haram/ISWAP attack after detecting insurgent movements through surveillance systems. Troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat, while follow-up operations confirmed their withdrawal. Similar attacks on farmers and communities in Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State were also repelled, pushing insurgents toward the Mandara Mountains and adjoining areas.
In ongoing offensive operations, troops uncovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis, intended to target troops and commuters. Rail tracks used by terrorists to canalise vehicles into a killing zone were also recovered.
Troops made major strides in dismantling terrorist logistics. In Molai, two suspected Boko Haram collaborators were arrested for suspicious activities within a secured area. In Maiduguri, vehicles transporting two truckloads of suspected terrorist supplies—including cartons of medical drugs, motorcycle tubes and tyres, mosquito nets, mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents—were intercepted along the Maiduguri–Mafa road. Preliminary investigations revealed the consignments were headed toward Kusuri, near the Chad border. All vehicles, drivers, and items have been handed over for further investigation.
In coordinated operations with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), OPHK troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier, Mohammed Adamu, 26, at Muna Garage. Items recovered from him included 25 litres of engine oil, N624,900, a mobile phone, power bank, national identity card, and ATM cards. Investigations indicate he had been supplying terrorists with motorcycle parts over an extended period.
Additional targeted operations in Gubio, conducted with intelligence operatives and CJTF, led to the arrest of 13 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators. Two other suspects apprehended in the same area confessed to long-term involvement in supplying insurgents.
In another operation, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP member, Abubakar Ali, alias “Saina,” at Kilo Papa checkpoint while he was en route to Maiduguri on a suspected reconnaissance mission. He has been handed over to authorities for further investigation. Troops also apprehended a suspected kidnapper in Azir, Damboa Local Government Area.
Clearance operations at Wulgo Junction, Gamboru Motor Park, and surrounding areas led to the recovery of 450 wraps of suspected marijuana and other illicit substances, while suspected drug peddlers fled on sighting troops.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and professionalism, urging them to maintain operational tempo to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure security and economic stability in the North East.
