Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded significant operational successes in ongoing counterterrorism operations across the North East, including the neutralization of nine ISWAP terrorists and the rescue of 74 abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of OPHK, said the achievements followed directives from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu , who recently urged troops to sustain pressure on remnants of terrorist groups through aggressive clearance and offensive operations.
As part of Operation DESERT SANITY IV, troops of Sector 1, in coordination with the CJTF, engaged ISWAP terrorists on November 12, 2025, at Yanaga Ari in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. The encounter resulted in the elimination of nine terrorists, with five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and other logistics recovered.
In another breakthrough, troops of Sector 2 successfully rescued 74 NYSC members along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area. The corps members, including 36 males and 38 females, were en route to Hawul on a Christian Evangelism Mission when their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot at night. A military patrol team swiftly responded after CCTV monitoring detected suspicious movement involving three buses. The rescued members are currently being accommodated at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Institute pending arrangements for their safe return.
The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and proactive engagement, urging them to remain vigilant and committed to restoring lasting peace in the North East. The military also appealed to the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing military operations aimed at eliminating terrorism and criminality in the region.
