Troops Rescue 44 Terrorists’ Family Members, Arrest Fighters, Collaborators in North-East
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 44 family members of terrorists, comprising 13 women and 31 children, while also arresting suspected terrorists, collaborators and a kidnapper during sustained operations across Borno and Yobe States.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the activities of the Joint Task Force North-East between September 17 and 24, 2026.
According to him, the rescued women and children were intercepted by troops at Konduga in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on September 24 after reportedly escaping from terrorist camps amid clashes between rival factions.
Onoja said troops also recorded several successful engagements against terrorists during the period. On September 17, troops at Gajiram, Nganzai LGA, supported by an Air Component helicopter gunship, repelled a large-scale terrorist advance, forcing the attackers to withdraw into Gajiram town and surrounding bushes.
He added that troops ambushed terrorists near Benisheikh on September 18, forcing them to flee, while another ambush at Azare village in Gujba LGA of Yobe State on September 21 led to the arrest of four terrorists.
The suspects were reportedly found with ammunition, bicycles and foodstuff.
The Defence spokesperson further disclosed that more than 20 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to troops between September 18 and 24 in Gwoza, Dikwa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State.
He said the surrendering terrorists consistently cited hardship and lack of basic necessities in terrorist enclaves on the Mandara Mountains as reasons for abandoning the groups.
In related operations, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant at Gajiram on September 20, while a suspected logistics supplier transporting Starlink internet devices allegedly destined for Chad was apprehended along the Dikwa-Gamboru Road on September 23.
On September 24, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator and spy at Geidam market in Yobe State, while a suspected kidnapper was apprehended in Gubio town, Borno State, with an AK-47 rifle.
The latest operations, according to the Defence authorities, underscore the continued efforts of Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue civilians and weaken terrorist networks across the North-East.
