Operation HADIN KAI Rescues Abductees, Repels ISWAP Attack, Arrests Suspected Terrorist Suppliers

By Zainab Uzomah | Abuja

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued two abductees, repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base in Borno State and arrested several suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in a series of coordinated operations across the North-East.

In a release issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said the latest operations were carried out through intelligence-led missions, search-and-rescue efforts and clearance operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities in the region.

According to the military, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued the two abductees from a suspected terrorist hideout during a search-and-rescue mission in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation also led to the recovery of N1.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities, as well as food items and other supplies suspected to have supported terrorist operations. The rescued victims have since been evacuated for medical attention and psychosocial support.

The military also confirmed that troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP fighters. It said the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter before troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with casualties.

One soldier was killed during the exchange, while two gun trucks and some military equipment were damaged. The military said reinforcements had been deployed to the base and security measures strengthened to prevent further attacks.

In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected criminal in Gombi Local Government Area following intelligence reports. A follow-up operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies believed to have been intended for terrorist elements.

The military also disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members surrendered alongside their families to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area. According to preliminary findings, they fled terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains. Troops recovered more than N1.5 million in cash, two mobile phones and other personal belongings from the group.

In a related operation, soldiers intercepted another suspected terrorist logistics supplier at Molai checkpoint with a large quantity of medical supplies allegedly being transported without the required clearance. Another suspect was arrested in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State while transporting five motorcycle tyres suspected to be destined for terrorist groups.

During a separate clearance operation around Wulgo, troops working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.

Operation HADIN KAI said the operations demonstrated the impact of sustained military offensives and intelligence-driven missions in disrupting terrorist logistics networks, rescuing victims and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East.

The military reiterated its commitment to continuing search-and-rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely recovered and warned that anyone involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transport or other forms of support to terrorist groups would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.