…As one soldier killed
By Ndahi Marama
The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has rescued some people hitherto abducted by suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, even as it also repelled an attack on one of its Forward Operation Bases (FOB) in Logomani village, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement.
The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops, with reinforcements deployed, exploitation operations ongoing and additional measures being implemented to further strengthen the defensive resilience of the location.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, on Thursday.
The statement reads: “Troops of OPHK has continued to sustain its operational momentum across the North East Theatre, recording another series of significant successes through relentless Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, intelligence-led missions and coordinated security efforts aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of action.
“On 7 July 2026, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting ongoing Search and Rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, successfully rescued two additional abductees from a terrorist hideout.
“During the operation, troops recovered cash of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,200,000.00) suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
“The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving appropriate medical care and psychosocial support.
“During the same period, troops of Operation HADIN KAI deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State under Sector One successfully contained a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists. Although the insurgents briefly exploited a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement. The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with reinforcements deployed, exploitation operations ongoing and additional measures being implemented to further strengthen the defensive resilience of the location,” Goni stated.
Furthermore, he said: “In another operational success, troops of 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“Follow-up exploitation of the arrest led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and twenty-eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody, while further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
“Similarly, troops of 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. The recovered items include cash sums, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies suspected to have been destined for terrorist elements. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while the recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue.
“As part of ongoing offensive operations, troops of 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a clearance operation on known terrorist enclaves around Wulgo. During the operation, troops exploited the terrorists’ hasty withdrawal and recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. The recovery further underscores the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, denying them freedom of movement and disrupting their operational capabilities,” Goni explained
Additionally, he said: “Six suspected ISWAP terrorist alongside their families surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion (Main) Sector 1 OPHK. Preliminary investigation revealed that the family escaped from Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide terrorist enclaves on the Mandara mountains in Gwoza LGA. Items recovered from the terrorist and their families includes cumulative sum of One Million Five Hundred and Forty One Thousand Five Hundred Naira (N1,541,500.00), two Tecno mobile phones amongst other items.
“Relatedly, troops apprehended a suspected BHT/ISWAP logistics supplier in Molai checkpoint in possession of large quantities of medical supplies without due clearance. Suspect and the items are in custody for further interrogation.
“In Sector 2 Area of Responsibility, Troops of 233 Tank Battalion in conjunction with Hunters intercepted and arrested a suspected BHT/ISWAP terrorist logistics supplier from Ngirya village of Tarmuwa LGA with five motorcycle tyres. The suspect and items are in military custody for investigation.
“These latest operational gains underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and the seamless collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks, disrupting criminal activities and protecting vulnerable communities across the North East,” Goni noted.
He added that Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai assures the public that ongoing search and rescue operations will continue with unwavering resolve until every abducted person is accounted for and safely reunited with their families.
The Theatre Command, he said, also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to immediately desist, as anyone found aiding, abetting or collaborating with terrorist elements, directly or indirectly, will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
