Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and foiled a deadly improvised explosive device ambush during a major counter terrorism operation in Borno State, marking another significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Nigeria’s North East region.
According to military authorities, the operation was carried out by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura after intelligence reports revealed that suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were moving abducted civilians and stolen vehicles into remote bush areas along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that the troops swiftly launched a coordinated rescue mission after detecting the movement of the terrorists at about 11:22 am. He explained that a Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed with reinforcements from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison to intercept the insurgents before they could disappear deeper into the forest. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Military sources said the aggressive pursuit mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee in disarray towards the Mangari–Dora axis. During the operation, soldiers successfully rescued a total of 92 kidnapped victims comprising 52 adult males, 33 females and seven children. Security operatives also recovered eight vehicles believed to have been seized or used by the terrorists during their operations.
In what authorities described as a desperate attempt to slow down advancing troops, the fleeing insurgents reportedly planted three improvised explosive devices along the Bula Zarma–Mangari route. However, military Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams quickly responded and neutralised all the explosives before they could cause casualties or disrupt the rescue mission.
The military confirmed that troops continued pursuit operations several kilometres beyond the Mangari area while conducting extensive search operations to track down the fleeing insurgents. Reports indicated that the terrorists eventually dispersed into surrounding bush paths after abandoning their mission under intense military pressure.
Importantly, the Nigerian Army stated that no military personnel or operational equipment were lost during the operation, a development many analysts described as a reflection of improved surveillance capabilities, better tactical coordination and enhanced combat readiness among troops operating in the North East.
Following their rescue, the victims were reportedly provided with immediate humanitarian and welfare assistance before being escorted safely to Damaturu for onward transportation and reunification with their families. Security officials said medical support and psychological care were also being arranged for some of the rescued civilians, many of whom had endured traumatic experiences while in captivity.
The latest operation adds to a series of intensified military offensives against terrorist groups operating in the North East and other parts of Nigeria. In recent months, troops of Operation Hadin Kai and other military formations have recorded several successes involving the rescue of abducted persons, destruction of terrorist camps, interception of arms and explosives and elimination of insurgent fighters.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the region while assuring residents that operations would continue until insurgents are completely dismantled. The high command also commended the professionalism, courage and swift response of the troops involved in the latest rescue mission, describing the operation as a strong demonstration of the armed forces’ determination to protect civilians and restore lasting security in the North East.
