Troops Nab Six Terror Suspects, Foil IED Attacks in Northeast Operations

Troops Nab Six Terror Suspects, Foil IED Attacks in Northeast Operations

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have arrested six suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and logistics suppliers during coordinated operations across Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states.

The arrests, which took place in Geidam and Mubi North Local Government Areas, followed a series of offensives by troops of Sectors 2 and 4, as security forces intensified pressure on insurgent networks operating within the region.

The information was disclosed in a statement issued in Maiduguri by the OPHK Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, who said the operations, conducted between March 31 and April 4, 2026, recorded significant gains, including the disruption of terrorist supply chains and neutralisation of insurgents.

According to Uba, troops deployed to Geidam in Yobe State, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), acted on credible intelligence to intercept logistics suppliers near a border community with Niger Republic.

Following a fierce engagement, three terrorists were neutralised, and a vehicle conveying supplies was disabled. Items recovered include food, mobile phones and other materials intended for terrorist camps,” he said.

In Borno State, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Pulka axis in the Gwoza Local Government Area neutralised two terrorists during clearance operations. The military also thwarted attempts by insurgents to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Konduga–Kawuri road.

Uba noted that troops engaged the insurgents with superior firepower, triggering an explosion that killed two terrorists, while weapons and ammunition were recovered during follow-up operations.

“In continuation of counter-IED operations, troops discovered and safely detonated an IED planted along the Ngoshe–Pulka road, thereby preventing potential casualties and ensuring safe passage along the route,” he added.

In Adamawa State, troops under Sector 4, in collaboration with local hunters, carried out operations in Mubi North, leading to the arrest of three suspected terrorists.

Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects had been involved in gathering intelligence on troop movements and had participated in a recent attack on security forces.

“The suspect confessed to involvement in an attack where insurgents suffered heavy casualties. All arrested individuals are currently in custody for further investigation,” Uba stated.

Similarly, troops operating at the Mainok market in Borno State arrested three logistics suppliers and recovered rustled livestock, mobile phones, and cash, further weakening the supply network of the insurgents.

In another operation in Yobe State, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected terrorist elements. Two of the occupants were found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during earlier encounters with security forces.

Security sources also confirmed the arrest of several informants and collaborators attempting to infiltrate neighbouring communities, as well as the apprehension of a foreign national under suspicious circumstances at a military checkpoint.

The OPHK spokesperson emphasised that troops have continued to sustain aggressive operations across the theatre, effectively denying insurgents freedom of movement and operational space.

He added that all operations were conducted successfully without any casualties on the side of the troops.