Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued six women and children abducted by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during separate operations across the North-East.
The military also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators in Borno and Yobe states as security forces intensified counter-insurgency operations under Operation DESERT SANITY.
The development highlights ongoing efforts by the military to weaken terrorist networks, rescue civilians, and improve security in conflict-affected communities across the region.
The rescue operation took place on May 12 near Amuda following intelligence gathered after an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the rescued victims included women and children abducted during an earlier terrorist attack on Ngoshe community.
The victims were identified as 18-year-old Aisha Musa, 17-year-old Aisha Mohammed, 20-year-old Fatima Yahaya, four-year-old Saudatu Musa, five-year-old Garba Mohammed, and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya.
Military authorities said Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters abducted the victims during an attack on March 3, 2026.
Victims Receive Medical Care
Following the rescue, troops immediately moved the victims to a military medical facility for treatment and care.
The military later reunited them with their families through the Ngoshe community leader, Mallam Adamu Gunda.
Officials said the operation formed part of wider military efforts to protect civilians and return abducted victims safely to their communities.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Collaborators
In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State arrested a suspected terrorist associate identified as 40-year-old Hauwa Bulama.
Items recovered from the suspect included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and seasoning cubes.
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that the suspect was travelling to Gezuwa to meet four of her children believed to be members of the terrorist group.
Military Intercepts Suspected Ammunition Network
Troops also arrested two additional suspects, identified as Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17, during a follow-up intelligence operation in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The arrests followed an earlier operation involving the interception of a suspected ammunition courier identified as Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol.
Military authorities said investigations revealed that Adiza allegedly planned to collect ammunition from the courier for delivery to a terrorist commander.
Security forces said the suspects remain in custody while operations continue to track down the alleged commander and recover the ammunition.
Military Intensifies Counter-Insurgency Operations
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the North-East.
The military also praised troops for their professionalism, resilience, and continued operational successes in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
Despite recent gains, security experts say Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks still pose serious threats to communities in parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Authorities continue to urge residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could help prevent attacks and rescue more abducted civilians.
