Soldiers kill four terrorists, arrest suspects in North East

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, killing suspected terrorists, arresting collaborators, and recording the surrender of a suspected insurgent.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

The statement said the operations were carried out under Operation Desert Sanity V, with multiple offensives targeting insurgent movements and logistics routes across the theatre.

It said that in one of the encounters, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force engaged fighters moving from Yale towards the Sambisa Forest axis.

“During the encounter, four terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, as well as food items suspected to be part of terrorist logistics supply,” the statement said, noting that troops “returned safely to base with no casualties.”

The military added that sustained operations along major routes such as Dambboa–Maiduguri, Dambboa–Gwoza, and the Goniri axis had disrupted insurgent activities.

“Operations conducted across key routes and likely infiltration corridors successfully denied terrorists freedom of movement and actions,” it stated.

In a separate operation, troops deployed at Kanama arrested two suspected collaborators during a stop-and-search exercise.

“The suspects were found in possession of items and materials, including clothing and personal effects, suspected to be linked to terrorist logistics support,” the military said.

It added that “preliminary investigations also revealed incriminating digital materials suggesting possible affiliation with terrorist elements,” noting that the suspects remain in custody for further investigation.

Meanwhile, troops also recorded the surrender of a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP member at a checkpoint in Kukawa Local Government Area.

“The individual, who claimed to have been abducted earlier in the year and coerced into joining the terrorist group, is currently undergoing profiling and further investigation,” the statement said.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.

“The Theatre Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace, security and economic stability in the North East region,” it said, urging residents to support security agencies with timely information.

The military high command also commended troops for their efforts, stating that they should “sustain the operational tempo” in ongoing operations.