Nigerian Army Rescues March 3 Kidnap Victims, Arrests Suspected Terrorist Associates in Northeast

Nigerian Army Rescues March 3 Kidnap Victims, Arrests Suspected Terrorist Associates in Northeast

The Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI, has achieved major operational successes in its ongoing campaign against terrorism, including the rescue of six abducted civilians and the arrest of multiple suspected terrorist collaborators in the North-East region. These developments, reported on May 12, 2026, highlight the military’s continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across the affected states.

In a coordinated operation near Amuda, troops acting on credible intelligence and following an air interdiction mission around the Mandara Mountains successfully rescued six women and children held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. The victims—Aisha Musa (18), Aisha Mohammed (17), Fatima Yahaya (20), Saudatu Musa (4), Garba Mohammed (5), and Mohammed Yahaya (3 months)—were among residents of Ngoshe community abducted during a terrorist attack on March 3, 2026. After their rescue, they received immediate medical attention at a military facility and were reunited with their families through the community leader, Mallam Adamu Gunda, who facilitated their safe return.

On the same day, troops stationed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area arrested a suspected terrorist associate, Hauwa Bulama (40), during an operational engagement. Items recovered from her included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and food seasoning cubes. Preliminary investigations revealed she was en route to Gezuwa to meet four of her children, who are suspected to be active members of the terrorist group. She has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further interrogation and legal proceedings.

In another development, troops under Sector 2, supported by Military Intelligence, arrested two additional suspects—Bakura (18) and Adiza (17)—in Damaturu, Yobe State. Their arrest is linked to an earlier operation that intercepted Ba’akaka Abubakar (alias Modogol), a suspected ammunition courier, who was caught while finalizing plans to deliver weapons to terrorists. Evidence suggests Adiza was tasked with collecting the ammunition for delivery to a terrorist commander. The suspects remain in custody, and military efforts are ongoing to apprehend the commander and recover the weapons.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians, and restoring lasting peace in the North-East. The military high command commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to maintain the current operational tempo. These actions underscore the military’s strategic focus on intelligence-led operations to disrupt terrorist activities and protect vulnerable communities. The continued success of Operation HADIN KAI signals a growing momentum in the fight against insurgency, offering hope for long-term stability in the region.