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Operation Hadin Kai Foils Terrorist Assembly and Apprehends Arms Smugglers in Yobe State
Security forces under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully disrupted a suspected terrorist congregation and detained five individuals linked to arms smuggling in Yobe State during coordinated operations.
Details of the Counter-Terrorism Operation
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, revealed in a statement dated 19 February 2026 that troops acted on credible intelligence indicating a large group of terrorists assembling on motorcycles near Mangari, approximately 10.6 kilometers from the 135 Special Forces Battalion base in Buratai.
At around 6:21 p.m. on 17 February, the troops launched a targeted fire mission that caused the insurgents to scatter in confusion, effectively dismantling their planned activities. This swift intervention highlights the ongoing efforts to curb insurgent movements in the region.
Arrest of Suspected Arms Smugglers and Kidnappers
In a separate incident, soldiers stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Potiskum intercepted five suspected arms traffickers and kidnappers at a checkpoint on the Gombe–Potiskum highway at approximately 4:30 a.m. on 18 February.
The detainees include Baba Abare, aged 41, who was found carrying an AK-47 rifle, along with four others: Idris Zakari (33), Nasiru Aliyu (25), Abdullahi Sulaiman (35), and Mohammed Idris (34), all natives of Potiskum town. The suspects were traveling in two Golf Wagon vehicles registered as Borno NGL-506XA and Kaduna DKD16-01.
Following their disarmament, the suspects were transferred to the relevant authorities for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
Context and Significance
These operations underscore the Nigerian military’s intensified campaign against terrorism and illegal arms trafficking in the northeastern states. According to recent security reports, such proactive measures have contributed to a 15% reduction in insurgent activities in Yobe State over the past year.
Similar crackdowns in neighboring states have also led to the seizure of over 200 illegal firearms in the last six months, reflecting a broader regional effort to enhance security and stability.
