Troops kill terrorists, arrest collaborators, recover weapons in Borno, Yobe operations 

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified counter-insurgency operations across the North-East, neutralised suspected terrorists, arrested collaborators and recorded fresh surrenders from insurgents and their family members in Borno and Yobe states.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in its operational update covering May 15 to 21, 2026, released on Sunday through its official X account.

According to the military, troops deployed in different theatres of operation sustained aggressive clearance missions aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts, disrupting logistics networks and forcing insurgents to abandon their camps.

The statement said troops operating in Kirawa conducted coordinated clearance operations on May 15 across the Valle general area, Ashigashiya and Gakara communities in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the operation, troops reportedly engaged terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing two insurgents.

The military added that on May 16, troops working alongside local hunters carried out operations at Kwayar Kusar Market in Kwayar Kusar Local Government Area, where they disrupted suspected insurgent logistics activities.

Four suspected cattle rustlers and collaborators linked to terrorist groups were arrested during the raid.

According to the military, the suspects were found with six cows allegedly intended for illegal sale on behalf of insurgents.

The Defence Headquarters noted that sustained military offensives and pressure on insurgent enclaves had continued to trigger surrenders among fighters and their relatives.

It disclosed that on May 17, an adult male relative of a terrorist escaped from the Kwatara enclave located in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops along the Gwoza-Limankara route in Gwoza LGA.

The military attributed the surrender to worsening humanitarian conditions within terrorist camps and sustained troop offensives.

The statement added, “The individual surrendered due to severe lack of basic needs and intensified military pressure on the enclave.”

In another development, troops in Dikwa Local Government Area received the surrender of two adult females and seven minors on May 19.

The military also confirmed that a woman identified as Alisha Sale surrendered separately in Dikwa town on the same day.

Meanwhile, troops conducting routine security checks at Lawanti town near Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area on May 20 arrested a female suspect accused of supplying logistics to terrorists.

The military alleged that the woman was attempting to smuggle ready-to-use supplementary food and hijabs to her son, identified as Modu Mustapha, who was described as a notorious terrorist commander operating in Mobbar Local Government Area.

Also on May 20, a 20-year-old suspect identified as Babakaka Bukar surrendered to troops at the Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Nganzai Local Government Area.

According to the military, the suspect handed over an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a mobile phone upon surrendering.

Troops also intercepted another suspected logistics supplier at Bama checkpoint on May 21.

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The suspect was reportedly arrested with food supplies and other materials allegedly meant for insurgents operating within the region.

In neighbouring Yobe State, the military said troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing operations.