Borno: Troops rescue three abducted children after two months in terrorists' captivity

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted a terrorist attack, neutralised insurgents and rescued three abducted children in Borno State.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media, Information Officer, Headquarters  Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed this in a statement on 21 February, 2026. 

According to the statement, the children were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye. 

“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained aggressive offensive and stabilisation operations across the theatre of OPHK, successfully thwarted a terrorist attack, neutralising insurgents, and rescuing kidnapped civilians in separate operations conducted on 20–21 February 2026” the statement read. 

"In a major encounter, troops of Sector  1 , while on fighting patrol made contact with suspected JAS/ISWAP terrorists around Sabsawa village in Borno State. 

"The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. During exploitation, five terrorists were neutralised.

"Similarly, troops of OPHK, under Sector 1, deployed at Ngurosoye rescued three abducted children — Abba Abba (12), Fatima Abba (8), and Aisha Abba (6) — during a perimeter patrol in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. 

"Preliminary investigation revealed the victims were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye. 

"The children have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action.

"Meanwhile, troops also recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old terrorist suspect, Abubakar Abubakar, at Geidam in Yobe State, where he is currently in custody for profiling.

"Across other sectors of OPHK, troops in aggressive posture, conducted offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, vigilantes, and hunters to deny terrorists freedom of action. 

"All operations were largely hitch-free, while ongoing exploitation and monitoring continue across the theatre. 

“The military high command commended the troops for their sustained morale and fighting efficiency, assuring that pressure on terrorist elements will be maintained until lasting peace  and economic stability are achieved in the North East region."