Six individuals believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with their family members, have voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion under Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, outlining recent operational achievements recorded across the North-East.
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According to Goni, preliminary findings indicate that the surrendered individuals fled terrorist hideouts located in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza LGA.
He explained that Operation Hadin Kai has maintained sustained military pressure across the region through intelligence-driven missions, search-and-rescue operations and coordinated security activities aimed at restricting the movement and operations of terrorist groups.
The military also recovered several items from the surrendered suspects and their families, including ₦1,541,500 in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal belongings.
In a separate operation, troops at the Molai checkpoint arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier who was transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the necessary authorization. The suspect and the seized items remain in military custody pending further investigation.
Goni further revealed that troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Logomani, Ngala Local Government Area, successfully repelled a coordinated attack launched by ISWAP fighters.
Although the attackers briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter during the fierce exchange of gunfire, the soldiers regrouped quickly, launched a counterattack and forced the insurgents to retreat after inflicting heavy casualties. Several of the fleeing terrorists were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
He, however, confirmed that one soldier lost his life during the encounter, while two military gun trucks and some combat equipment sustained damage.
Despite the attack, Goni said the situation at FOB Logomani remains under the firm control of Operation Hadin Kai troops, with reinforcements deployed to the area and clearance operations continuing alongside efforts to reinforce the base’s security.
Elsewhere, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Follow-up operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to identify other members of the criminal network.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered from the suspects included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household supplies and other goods believed to have been intended for terrorist groups. The suspects are currently being interrogated while investigations continue.
As part of ongoing offensive operations, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a clearance mission on known terrorist hideouts around Wulgo.
During the operation, security forces recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents, further highlighting the sustained pressure being exerted on terrorist groups and limiting their operational capabilities.
In Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, supported by local hunters, intercepted and arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier in Ngirya village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area. Five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist use were recovered, while the suspect remains under investigation.
Goni said the latest operational successes demonstrate the impact of sustained military offensives, actionable intelligence and effective collaboration between security agencies and supporting local forces in dismantling terrorist supply networks, disrupting criminal activities and safeguarding communities across the North-East.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to continue search-and-rescue missions until every abducted victim is safely reunited with their families.
The military also issued a stern warning to individuals providing food, fuel, transportation, construction materials or any other logistical support to terrorist groups, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with insurgents in any capacity would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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