Troops kill terrorists, nab suspects in North East offensives

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigeria Army said its troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) recorded successes in offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists conducted between 31 March and 4 April 2026.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, media information officer, Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement on Sunday said the sucesses of the troops include killing of insurgents, arrest of suspects and disruption of logistics networks.

Giving breakdown of the operation, Uba said at Geidam, in Yobe State, troops in conjunction with operatives of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), acting on credible intelligence, engaged terrorist logistics suppliers with three terrorists killed in the fierce encounter.

He added that a logistics-laden vehicle while food supplies, mobile phones and other materials intended for terrorist camps were also recovered.

In the same vein the troops also ambushed terrorists attempting to emplace Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Konduga–Kawuri axis in Borno State.

According to the statement, the troops engaged the insurgents with decisive firepower, triggering an explosion that neutralised two terrorists.

“Weapons and ammunition were recovered during exploitation,” he said.

Uba said 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 movement along the route.

In Adamawa State, the Army spokesperson said the troops also recorded notable successes in counter-terrorism operations.

According to him, the troops, working with local hunters conducted offensive operation, leading to the arrest of three Boko Haram/ISWAP members in Mubi local government.

Uba said preliminary investigation revealed that one of them had previously gathered intelligence on troops locations and activities.

“The terrorist further confessed to participating in a recent attack where they suffered heavy casualties. All of the arrested persons are currently in custody for further investigation” the statement indicated.

The troops in Mainok market also arrested three terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered livestock, mobile phones and cash, further weakening the supply chain supporting terrorist operations.

“Additionally, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying terrorist elements in Yobe State. Two of the occupants were identified with gunshot wounds linked to earlier engagements with troops.

“The BHT/ISWAP members, along with recovered communication devices, are in custody for further investigation. Further operations across the theatre led to the arrest of BHT/ISWAP informants and collaborators attempting to cross into neighbouring areas, as well as the apprehension of a foreign national at a checkpoint under suspicious circumstances,” Uba said.

The Army said all operations were conducted without incident, while troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high.

“The Military High Command commends the troops for their resilience, vigilance and utmost professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations in the security and economic interest of the Northeast region,” Uba said.