Borno

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, the Nigerian Army has announced.

The Army said the insurgent surrendered alongside two male children to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade.

In a statement issued late Saturday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, described the development as another major breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

According to Goni, the surrender took place at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026, along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, underscoring the sustained impact of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the North East,” the statement read.

The Army spokesperson said the latest development comes amid an increasing number of terrorist surrenders, with about 46 insurgents and their family members reportedly laying down their arms in recent days.

Goni attributed the surrender to the sustained land and air offensives carried out by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorist strongholds.

“The terrorist surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on 25 July 2026 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route,” he said.

He disclosed that preliminary investigations identified the suspect as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram.

“Preliminary profiling indicates that the terrorist served as the Chief Finance Operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s financial activities and logistics. He surrendered alongside two male children,” he stated.

The Army said troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and ₦40,000 from the surrendered suspect.

According to Goni, the suspect is currently in custody for further profiling and interrogation.

“The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to exploit actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the Theatre,” he stressed.

The Army said the surrender of such a senior finance operative represents another major setback for ISWAP and reflects the weakening of the group’s command structure, operational capacity and logistics network.

“Coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, this development confirms deepening disillusionment within terrorist ranks and points to an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps,” he emphasised.

Goni reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.

“The Theatre Command therefore calls on all remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms before it is too late,” he added.

He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during a security operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The arrests took place at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, according to a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai.

The military identified one of the suspects as 32-year-old Musa Fashir, a Sudanese national. It said he is suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence, according to the statement, indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, a development the military said points to attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the North-East.

The troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area as well as the authenticity of her claims.

According to the statement, both suspects remain in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and interrogation. The process is expected to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities and ascertain any possible links to terrorist groups or transnational criminal networks.

The military said the arrests reflect the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in preventing terrorists and their collaborators from operating freely.

It added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to disrupting terrorist logistics, financing and support networks. The military also reaffirmed its determination to prevent the infiltration of foreign fighters and protect communities across the North-East.

The statement urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains essential to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the region.

By Uzair Adam

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents have abducted the wife of a pastor and her three children along the Maiduguri–Damasak road in Borno State.

The incident occurred around noon on Saturday near Kareto village in Mobbar Local Government Area, according to community sources.

The victims were reportedly travelling to Damasak, where Pastor Moses Guguma serves as the resident pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), when the commercial vehicle conveying them was intercepted by the armed men.

A community source, who requested anonymity, said the attackers ordered the pastor’s wife and her three children to step out of the vehicle before allowing the remaining passengers to continue their journey.

“The terrorists intercepted the commercial vehicle near Kareto village and asked the pastor’s wife and her three children to disembark.

“They allowed the other passengers to continue before disappearing into the bush with the family,” the source said.

The source added that the pastor’s wife had only recently been discharged from a hospital in Maiduguri and was still recuperating at the time of the abduction.

Another family source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the victims were deliberately targeted because of their Christian faith.

“We are currently holding special prayers, asking God to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the source said.

Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in northern Borno, lies about 156 kilometres from Maiduguri and has experienced repeated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters over the years.

As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the victims remained unknown.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while the abductors had made no known contact or ransom demand.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled an infiltration attempt by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Cross Kauwa, Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers, military authorities said Sunday.

The attack occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Saturday when terrorists attempted to exploit darkness to breach the military location in Kukawa Local Government Area, according to a statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for the Joint Task Force.

Alert troops detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray, the military said.

According to intelligence reports, the terrorists had intended to loot cholera medical supplies from the area—a development that lends credence to recent intelligence indicating a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, including reports of executions of affected members by the group.

In a significant development, troops neutralized a terrorist cameraman during the engagement, recovering a Sony camcorder containing sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, operational footage, and propaganda materials.

Preliminary forensic analysis of the last recorded video has revealed that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators, the military said.

The identified foreign nationals include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer, and a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network. A third Arab operative remains unidentified.

The presence of these foreign nationals reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from external support and transnational terrorist linkages, according to the statement.

Following the engagement, troops dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations, recovering the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62 mm ammunition, terrorist uniforms, and other combat enablers.

Post-engagement satellite imagery analysis revealed terrorists evacuating bodies of their neutralised fighters during withdrawal, which was corroborated by human intelligence sources confirming heavy casualties among the attackers.

Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care. Both remain in stable condition.

The failed infiltration represents another significant setback for ISWAP, capping a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations across the North East Theatre, the military said.

Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities, and dismantling terrorist networks, Captain Goni added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Paul Namaske, has narrated how military intervention helped victims escape after terrorists attacked the community during NECO examinations.

Namaske spoke in a short video released on Monday after he and several students were rescued by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

According to him, the attackers abducted teachers and students before taking them into the bush. He said the situation changed after a military aircraft arrived at the area.

“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they (the terrorists) began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us,” he said.

The vice principal explained that two teachers and more than 20 students were among those abducted during the attack on candidates writing the National Examinations Council examination.

“We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot give the precise number, but at one point during the movement, when they (the insurgents) gathered us in one place, I was able to make a rough estimate. They were about 20 students and two teachers,” he added.

Earlier, the Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue of 10 abducted victims, including students and teachers.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

He said troops launched a coordinated rescue operation shortly after receiving reports of the attack.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.

“Immediately upon receipt of the report of the incident, the Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.”

Goni said troops, with support from military aircraft, intercepted the abductors around the Daggu area, which led to a gun battle and the rescue of some victims.

“The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around Daggu and, after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

The military spokesperson also stated that troops recovered seven motorcycles from the fleeing terrorists after overpowering them during the operation.

He, however, confirmed casualties among security personnel.

“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian military has rescued 10 students and teachers who were abducted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Borno State.

According to a statement released by the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Monday when militants stormed Lassa Technical Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where students were sitting for their NECO senior secondary examinations.

The statement said troops were immediately deployed alongside air support to conduct a rescue operation. Following an exchange of fire with the terrorists in the Daggu area, the military successfully rescued 10 individuals unharmed.

“Efforts are still ongoing to rescue the remaining one person, as well as to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice,” the statement read.

The military reported that during the confrontation, several terrorists were neutralized and seven motorcycles used in the attack were recovered, which hindered the militants’ escape.

However, the operation came at a cost, with one soldier and one member of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) killed during the firefight.

Search and rescue operations continue as security forces work to secure the release of the remaining hostage.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Lassa town in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, where they reportedly abducted students writing the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination alongside some teachers.

The assault reportedly happened on Monday during a market day in the community. Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles and wore military camouflage.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen invaded the town while students were taking their examinations. They allegedly took away several candidates and teachers to an undisclosed location.

Sources within the area also disclosed that at least one teacher lost his life during the attack. However, the exact number of casualties and abducted persons has yet to be confirmed, as some residents are still searching for missing relatives.

Residents accused security personnel stationed in the area of being absent when the attack occurred. They claimed soldiers had travelled to nearby Uba, which is about 16 kilometres from Lassa, before the insurgents entered the town.

“The soldiers were not around when the terrorists invaded. They came in large numbers, firing sporadically and causing panic everywhere. They took away students writing NECO and their teachers,” an eyewitness said.

Attempts to get a reaction from the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful as calls to his mobile phone did not connect.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of southern Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops attached to Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a man suspected to be working with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over an alleged plan to attack military facilities in Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by soldiers of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base in Chabbol after security operatives received intelligence about a planned terrorist operation.

According to reports from military sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a publication that focuses on insurgency activities around the Lake Chad region, troops arrested the suspect during a routine patrol conducted near the protective anti-vehicle ditch surrounding the base.

The report stated that the operation followed credible intelligence reports about an impending attack on military formations in the area.

Preliminary findings reportedly connected the suspect to an alleged plan to target the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, alongside the Forward Operating Base in Chabbol.

Military sources said the suspect confessed during interrogation that the planned operation existed and alleged that the attackers intended to continue with the mission despite his arrest.

Security officials said the development enabled troops to tighten security around the affected military formations and improve defensive arrangements against possible attacks.

The suspect has reportedly been transferred to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.

The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at disrupting insurgent activities, dismantling terrorist networks and improving security across Nigeria’s north-east region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the Joint Task Force, North East, have rescued more than 47 people, mostly women and children, from suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters in Borno State.

The victims regained freedom during a military operation carried out in Kangarwa area of Kukawa Local Government Area.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.

According to the military, the rescue operation took place on June 20, 2026, after troops intensified attacks against terrorist hideouts around the Lake Chad region.

The statement explained that coordinated land and air assaults forced the insurgents to flee their camps, which created an opportunity for the captives to escape.

“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region,” the statement said.

Military authorities stated that the continuous offensive weakened activities within the terrorist camps and helped the victims regain freedom.

“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” the statement added.

The military also confirmed that the rescued individuals have been relocated to a secure facility, where they are currently receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance.

Authorities added that relevant agencies are already working on plans to reunite the victims with their communities.

“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” the statement said.

Operation HADIN KAI further reaffirmed its resolve to continue military offensives across the North-East until terrorist groups operating in the region are dismantled and peace is restored in affected communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has detained one of its personnel after an accidental shooting left another soldier injured at a military base in Borno State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident in a post on X, citing military sources.

According to the report, the incident involved a soldier attached to the Army’s 25 Brigade. It reportedly happened around 6:00 a.m. on June 20 at Sierra 7, a military defensive position in Damboa Local Government Area.

Sources said the soldier mistakenly fired his weapon while inside the military facility, which resulted in a gunshot injury to a fellow soldier.

“According to the sources, the soldier negligently discharged his weapon while within the military position, resulting in a gunshot wound to a fellow soldier,” Makama said.

The injured personnel reportedly received immediate medical attention before he was moved to a field ambulance facility for additional treatment.

Military authorities also confirmed that the soldier involved in the incident was quickly disarmed and taken into custody.

Sources added that he remains under detention as investigations continue and possible disciplinary measures are being considered.

The Army stressed the importance of strict compliance with weapons-handling procedures and established safety measures to avoid similar incidents in operational areas.

According to military authorities, adherence to safety protocols is necessary for the protection of personnel and to prevent avoidable accidents during operations.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge.