Troops Foil Terror Attacks, Intercept Two Truckloads of Insurgent Supplies in North-East Crackdown

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded major operational successes, foiling multiple terrorist attacks, dismantling logistics networks, and arresting key suspects across the North-East between March 28 and 30, 2026. 

In a significant breakthrough, troops deployed in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State thwarted a planned attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters after detecting their movement through surveillance systems. The troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce encounter, forcing them to retreat in disarray. Follow-up operations confirmed the terrorists’ withdrawal from the area.

Similarly, coordinated defensive actions in Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas successfully repelled attempted attacks on farming communities, with insurgents fleeing towards the Mandara Mountains and adjoining territories.

As part of sustained offensive operations, troops uncovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis, a major route targeted by terrorists. Recovered materials, including rail tracks used to channel vehicles into ambush zones, underscore ongoing attempts to disrupt movement and inflict casualties along critical corridors.

In a major blow to terrorist logistics, troops intercepted two truckloads of supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent camps. The consignments, seized along the Maiduguri–Mafa road, were concealed in sacks and included medical drugs, motorcycle tyres and tubes, mosquito nets, mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents. Preliminary findings indicate the items were being transported without clearance to Kusuri, a border community near Chad. The vehicles, drivers, and recovered items have been handed over for further investigation.

Security forces also intensified operations against collaborators. At Molai, two suspected Boko Haram accomplices were arrested under suspicious circumstances within a defensive perimeter. In Maiduguri, troops in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives apprehended a suspected logistics supplier, Mohammed Adamu (26), at Muna Garage. Items recovered from him include 25 litres of engine oil concealed in sacks, ₦624,900 in cash, a mobile phone, power bank, national identity card, and ATM cards. Investigations suggest he had been supplying motorcycle parts and other logistics to insurgents over an extended period.

Further intelligence-led operations in Gubio led to the arrest of 15 suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, some of whom confessed to long-term involvement in supporting terrorist activities.

In a separate operation, troops arrested a suspected member of the JAS/ISWAP terrorist group, Abubakar Ali, also known as “Saina,” at the Kilo Papa checkpoint while en route to Maiduguri. Preliminary interrogation indicates he was on a reconnaissance mission.

Additionally, a suspected kidnapper was apprehended in the Azir area of Damboa Local Government Area. Clearance operations in Wulgo Junction, Gamboru Motor Park, and surrounding areas also led to the recovery of 450 wraps of suspected marijuana and other illicit substances, while drug peddlers fled upon sighting troops.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action across the North-East.

The continued successes, according to military authorities, are critical to enhancing security and supporting economic stability in the region.