By Our Reporter, Northern Operation
The Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has recorded major successes in its ongoing counterterrorism operations, foiling a terrorist infiltration attempt and dismantling logistics networks supporting insurgents across parts of Borno State.
The military said the achievements were the result of sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions, and close collaboration with local security stakeholders, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, troops successfully repelled an attempted terrorist incursion towards the North East Theatre Training School in Buni Yadi.
The statement disclosed that at about 9:00 a.m. on June 9, troops sighted terrorists advancing towards the military facility and responded with coordinated and precise firepower, effectively neutralising the threat and preventing the insurgents from gaining access to the area.
“Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two terrorist corpses and one motorcycle, confirming the effectiveness of the operation and the failure of the attempted infiltration,” the statement said.
In separate intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist support networks, troops of the 25 Brigade Garrison, working alongside the CJTF, arrested two suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers identified as Mallam Bako Ibrahim and Abu Aji along the Sierra 4 axis in Damboa.
Similarly, troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion, in conjunction with CJTF operatives, apprehended another suspected logistics supplier, Musa Idi, along the Mandaragirau–Sabon Gari road.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying materials and logistics to terrorists operating within Damboa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspects included 19 wristwatches, a large mat, a transistor radio, two cartons of agro-allied chemicals and other materials believed to be intended for terrorist use.
The military said the suspects and recovered items remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
In another operation, combined troops of Sector 2 and CJTF personnel arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Adams Shittima, in Damboa town at about 5:58 a.m. on June 9.
According to the military, Shittima was intercepted while attempting to procure farm implements and mosquito nets for terrorist elements.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to providing logistics support and intelligence to insurgents operating within Damboa Local Government Area, exposing a wider network of collaborators aiding terrorist activities in the region.
The military noted that sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves continues to weaken insurgent groups and force many of their members to abandon criminal activities.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and resilience, the Military High Command reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist support structures, deny insurgents freedom of movement, and ensure the protection of civilians across the North-East.
The statement added that the latest operational gains underscore Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to restore lasting peace, security and socio-economic stability in the region.
Borno Reintegrates 3,762 Former Insurgents, Family Members as Zulum’s Peace Initiative Expands
Meanwhile, the Borno State Government has reintegrated 3,762 repentant insurgents and their family members into society as part of its ongoing deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme aimed at consolidating peace in the North-East.
The beneficiaries, comprising 720 former insurgents, 992 spouses and 2,050 children, were formally reunited with their communities on Friday during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Security and member of the state’s Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee, retired Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq, said the beneficiaries formed Batch 9 of the programme and had been classified as low-risk clients after undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
According to him, the exercise represents another milestone in what has become known as the “Borno Model” — a non-kinetic strategy designed to complement military efforts in tackling insurgency.
“It has been a success story since July 5, 2021, when the good people of Borno State, under the stewardship of our dynamic leader, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who are willing to drop arms and embrace peace,” Ishaq said.
He noted that the programme has attracted global attention, describing it as one of the most successful non-kinetic counterterrorism initiatives.
“Today, the Borno Model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind, with over 350,000 persons that willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military,” he added.
Ishaq explained that the beneficiaries voluntarily surrendered to security forces after being encouraged by former colleagues who had earlier embraced peace. He said they were profiled, disarmed and transferred to the Hajj Camp, where they underwent deradicalisation and vocational training.
The former insurgents received training in various trades, including metal works, carpentry, tailoring, bricklaying, barbing, cap making, phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising and motorcycle repairs.
Their spouses were also trained in tailoring, knitting, catering services, soap making and other income-generating skills.
“The state government has provided starter packs for the clients and their spouses to support them in their post-camp life,” Ishaq said.
He disclosed that the latest batch brings the total number of rehabilitated and reintegrated former insurgents under the programme to 9,680, up from 8,960 recorded in the first eight batches.
The beneficiaries were drawn from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Gubio and other parts of the state.
Ishaq said community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and hunters carefully screened the beneficiaries before recommending them for reintegration.
He urged them to remain law-abiding, contribute positively to community development and become ambassadors of peace.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Babagana Kadai, described the event as a celebration of hope, resilience and reconciliation.
He commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery, noting that thousands of displaced families had been resettled, while schools, healthcare facilities and critical infrastructure had been rebuilt under his administration.
Kadai said the ministry had played a key role in providing psychosocial support, family reunification services, child protection interventions, vocational training and empowerment programmes to conflict-affected women and children.
Representatives of religious leaders, security agencies and government institutions also urged the beneficiaries to remain peaceful and respect constituted authority.
Speaking on behalf of previously reintegrated former insurgents, Idris Abdulkadir, Ali Kaka and Ibrahim Mohammed expressed appreciation to the government and communities for accepting them, saying they had since become productive members of society and were contributing to the development of their communities.
