TROOPS OF OPHK ELIMINATE INSURGENTS, RESCUE ABDUCTED CHILDREN

MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, february 23, 2026

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained aggressive offensives against terrorists in the North-East, eliminating five insurgents, thwarting attempted attacks, and rescuing abducted civilians during operations conducted on February 20 and 21, 2026.

A statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that troops recorded significant operational successes in separate engagements across Borno State.

In a major encounter, troops of Sector 1, while on a fighting patrol, made contact with suspected JAS/ISWAP terrorists around Sabsawa village in Borno State. The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. During follow-up exploitation of the area, five terrorists were neutralised, further degrading the operational capacity of the insurgents.

Similarly, troops under Sector 1 deployed at Ngurosoye rescued three abducted children during a perimeter patrol in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted approximately two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being relocated to Bula-Daloye. The rescued children have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action and reintegration processes.

The statement further noted that OPHK troops conducted offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, vigilantes, and local hunters, effectively denying terrorists freedom of movement and action within their areas of responsibility.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and ensuring the safety and security of civilians across the North-East region.