Joint Task Force Thwarts Terrorist Attack and Frees Abducted Children in Borno State

In a significant security operation, the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully prevented a terrorist assault, eliminated insurgents, and rescued three children who had been held captive for two months in Borno State.

Details of the Rescue and Military Engagement

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media and Information Officer for the Joint Task Force Headquarters, revealed in a statement dated 21 February 2026 that the abducted children were taken approximately two months ago near the Gubio area by suspected terrorist groups and subsequently moved to Bula-Daloye.

During intense offensive and stabilization missions conducted between 20 and 21 February 2026, troops engaged insurgents in multiple encounters across the OPHK operational theater. These operations culminated in the disruption of a planned terrorist attack and the liberation of kidnapped civilians.

Clashes with Terrorists and Child Rescue

In a notable confrontation, soldiers from Sector 1 encountered suspected members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Sabsawa village. The troops responded decisively with superior firepower, compelling the terrorists to retreat in disarray. The aftermath of the clash saw five insurgents neutralized.

Concurrently, OPHK forces operating in Sector 1 conducted a perimeter patrol in Bama Local Government Area, where they successfully rescued three children: Abba Abba (12), Fatima Abba (8), and Aisha Abba (6). These children had been held hostage for two months before their recovery.

Post-Rescue Actions and Ongoing Security Measures

Following their rescue, the children were promptly handed over to the Nigerian Police for further care and investigation. Additionally, an 18-year-old suspected terrorist named Abubakar Abubakar surrendered to security forces in Geidam, Yobe State, and is currently undergoing profiling and interrogation.

Across other sectors, the Joint Task Force intensified offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, including local vigilantes and hunters, to restrict terrorist movements and prevent further attacks. These coordinated efforts have been largely successful, with ongoing monitoring and exploitation activities continuing to secure the region.

Military Command’s Commendation and Future Outlook

The military high command praised the troops for their unwavering morale and operational effectiveness. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist factions until sustainable peace and economic recovery are restored in Nigeria’s North East.

Context and Significance

This recent success is part of a broader campaign against insurgency in the region, where over 30,000 people have been displaced in the past year alone due to terrorist activities. The rescue of abducted children highlights the ongoing humanitarian challenges and the critical role of security forces in protecting vulnerable populations.