Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Kill 12 Terrorists on Nigeria-Cameroon Border

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai has repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, killing 12 insurgents during a fierce gun battle in Kirawa, a border community in Borno State near Cameroon.

The operation, conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY and the ongoing SIEGE OPERATIONS, took place in the early hours of May 22, 2026, when suspected terrorists launched an assault on a military base in the area.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Sunday, the media information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba, said troops swiftly detected the attempted infiltration and responded with overwhelming firepower.

According to him, the insurgents attempted to breach positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces along the Nigeria-Cameroon border corridor.

“The attack was swiftly detected and met with overwhelming firepower from alert troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who stood their ground and successfully contained the assault,” Uba stated.

He explained that the terrorists were forced to abandon the operation and retreat toward the Cameroon axis after suffering heavy casualties during the confrontation.

Uba disclosed that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, alongside air support from the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and partner forces, played a major role in the success of the operation.

Following the encounter, troops confirmed the killing of 12 terrorists, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, leaving behind visible blood trails along their withdrawal routes.

Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition from the fleeing insurgents, including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition belts and a PKT machine gun.

Military authorities said the recovery of the weapons further weakened the operational capability of the terrorist group in the border area.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working closely with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, have continued exploitation and clearance operations in the area to track fleeing terrorists and recover additional equipment.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining pressure on insurgent groups throughout the Northeast until they completely dismantled terrorist activities.

The military high command also commended the troops for what it described as gallantry, professionalism and swift response to the attack, urging them to maintain the momentum in ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Troops Rescue Six Abductees, Arrest Terror Suspects in Borno and Yobe Operations

By Tada jutha, Maidguri

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside Operation Desert Sanity, have rescued six women and children abducted by terrorists in Borno State while also arresting several suspected collaborators linked to insurgent groups operating in the region.

The successful operation, carried out along the Amuda Ngoshe corridor in Gwoza Local Government Area, also led to the capture of five suspected terrorist associates believed to have been active around the Mandara Mountains for more than a decade.

The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Maiduguri, noting that troops have continued to record major gains in ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North East.

According to him, the rescue mission followed credible intelligence gathered after an air interdiction around the Mandara Mountains. Troops later stormed a suspected terrorist crossing route near Amuda on May 12, 2026, where the victims were successfully freed.

The rescued victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and Mohammed Yahaya, a minor.

Military authorities said the victims were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted during a terrorist raid allegedly carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters on March 3, 2026.

Following their rescue, the victims received medical attention at a military facility before they were reunited with their families through the community leader of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda.

In another operation conducted the same day, troops stationed at Tango Seven in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a 40-year-old woman, Hauwa Bulama, suspected of aiding terrorist activities.

Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, torchlight, and seasoning cubes.

Military sources revealed that preliminary findings suggested the suspect was travelling to Gezuwa to meet four of her children believed to be members of a terrorist group.

The suspect has since been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Meanwhile, troops under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by Military Intelligence personnel, also arrested two more suspects identified as Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17, in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The arrests were linked to an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier, Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was allegedly planning to deliver ammunition to terrorists hiding in Sambisa Forest.

Investigators disclosed that Adiza was allegedly assigned to receive ammunition from the earlier suspect for onwards delivery to a terrorist commander.

Security operatives said the suspects remain in custody while efforts continue to track down the commander and recover the ammunition meant for the insurgents.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its determination to sustain aggressive operations against terrorist networks, rescue abducted civilians, and restore peace across the northeast.

Military authorities also praised the troops for their professionalism, courage, and persistence in the fight against insurgency.

Troops Bust Terror Cell, Arrest Informant, Drug Syndicate, Rescue Kidnapped Children in Northeast

By Njadvara Musa

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai has recorded fresh operational gains, arresting two suspected terrorists, an informant, and five alleged drug traffickers across Borno State, Adamawa State, and Yobe State.

The military also rescued two kidnapped children during coordinated counter-terrorism operations in the region.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday in Maiduguri by the media information officer of the operation, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who said troops sustained pressure on insurgents and their collaborators across the theater.

According to him, troops operating in Ngamdu apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu, 32, and Ibrahim Adamu, 20, during field engagements. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects had relocated from Zamfara to Yobe State.

Items recovered from them include mobile phones, a power bank, an identity card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal belongings. The suspects have since been transferred to relevant authorities for further investigation.

In a related operation, troops of the 254 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested a suspected informant linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province at Ngamdu market.

The suspect, identified as Ali Muhammad, 30, was reportedly on a security watchlist. He was found with cash, a mobile phone, identification cards, charms, a knife, and a notebook containing contacts of suspected terrorist elements.

Military authorities described the arrest as a significant blow to the intelligence network of insurgents in the area, adding that the suspect is undergoing detailed interrogation.

Meanwhile, troops conducting a night operation around the Mubi axis in Adamawa arrested five suspected drug peddlers. Items recovered from them include ammunition and other materials believed to be linked to criminal activities. They are currently in custody pending prosecution.

In another breakthrough, troops deployed in Madagali, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, responded to a distress call and successfully rescued two abducted children, Barnabas Apagu, 12, and Ruth Apagu, 10.

Security sources said efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims believed to still be in captivity.

Similarly, troops in the Kukareta area of Yobe State recovered a hand grenade that fleeing insurgents likely abandoned. The military safely secured the explosive device in accordance with standard procedures.

The military high command commended the troops for their resilience and dedication, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Northeast.