By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have sustained military pressure on terrorist and criminal elements across the region while ensuring the peaceful conduct of Eid El Adha prayers in several communities in the North-East.
The military said the troops, operating under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY V/SIEGE OPERATIONS, recorded notable successes including the provision of security during Eid prayers, arrest of suspected criminals and interception of a suspected terrorist collaborator in parts of Borno State.
The Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba, said troops deployed at Ngoshe community provided adequate security and joined vigilantes and residents for the peaceful observance of Eid El Adha prayers at the Ngoshe Central Mosque, a development he described as symbolic considering the community’s previous exposure to terrorist threats.
Uba noted that the successful Eid gathering in Ngoshe reflected improving security conditions and growing confidence among residents, adding that the military remained committed to supporting the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
He stated that prayers were offered for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, peace in the North-East and national stability, stressing that the military’s sustained operations were gradually restoring normalcy in affected communities.
Similarly, troops of Headquarters 26 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI maintained robust security during Eid prayers at designated mosques in Gwoza, creating a secure atmosphere for worshippers, while senior military leaders sent goodwill messages to personnel to boost morale.
In a separate operation, troops reportedly acted on credible intelligence to neutralise a robbery threat in Gar Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three suspected criminals identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed and Adamu Aliyu.
According to the military, the suspects, who had allegedly been terrorising residents, were apprehended without resistance after victims positively identified them.
Recovered items included mobile phones, wristwatches, charms, a dagger, cash and a dane gun. Preliminary investigations showed that the firearm belonged to Mallam Manu Ibrahim, a member of the Miyetti Allah group, who had reportedly been robbed a day earlier.
Military authorities disclosed that the weapon had since been returned to its rightful owner, describing the move as part of ongoing efforts to protect lives and property while strengthening public trust.
In another operation, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Alhaji Gambo, 33, during routine security screening while attempting to gain entry into Monguno. Vehicle spare parts and personal effects were recovered from the suspect.
The military said although the general security situation across the North-East remained calm, it was still unpredictable, assuring that troops would continue to dominate the battlespace and deny terrorist groups freedom of action in the region.
