Troops repel North-East terrorist attacks, rescue victims and arrest collaborators
Joint Task Force troops successfully repelled Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks across North-East Nigeria in operations conducted on May 20, 2026. At Forward Operating Base Gajibo, troops thwarted an attack by terrorists advancing on motorcycles from multiple directions, responding with heavy firepower including mortars that forced attackers to retreat. Ammunition and combat equipment were recovered from the scene with no military casualties reported.
In separate operations, troops arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Gubio town and apprehended Umar Ahmadu in Gwoza, who allegedly confessed to supplying items to terrorists on multiple occasions. A 17-year-old relative of a terrorist surrendered after escaping a terrorist enclave in Mandara Mountains, while two male victims abducted from Mafa town were rescued after escaping captivity under poor visibility conditions.
These coordinated operations demonstrate sustained pressure on terrorist networks targeting their mobility, logistics, and support structures across the North-East region. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant while security forces maintain operations against terrorist elements.