The Nigerian Army has recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism following the successful rescue of 360 women and children who were abducted by insurgents from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation, carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with Special Operations Forces, is being hailed as one of the most successful hostage rescue missions in the North East in recent years.
According to military authorities, the rescue mission was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and strategic planning aimed at locating the victims who had been held captive by terrorists in the rugged Mandara Mountains, a region known to serve as a stronghold for insurgent groups. The abductees were among residents of Ngoshe who were taken away during a deadly terrorist attack on the community in March 2026.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, disclosed that special operations troops first launched preliminary missions that disrupted terrorist activities and created confusion within the camps. This paved the way for ground forces from the 26 Task Force Brigade to move in and safely extract the captives from the terrorists’ enclave. The carefully coordinated operation ensured that hundreds of vulnerable victims, most of them women and children, were freed from months of captivity. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Despite the success of the mission, the military reported a heartbreaking setback during the evacuation process. Two infants lost their lives due to exhaustion and the harsh conditions encountered while security personnel navigated the difficult mountainous terrain to bring the victims to safety. Military officials described the incident as a tragic consequence of the severe hardships endured by the captives during their prolonged detention.
Following their rescue, all victims underwent immediate medical screening and received emergency care from military medical personnel. Those requiring urgent treatment were stabilised and admitted to the General Hospital in Gwoza, while others were provided with food, water, and humanitarian assistance. Arrangements are also being made for their eventual reunification with family members and relevant authorities.
Military authorities described the operation as a major humanitarian and operational success that demonstrates the growing effectiveness of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North East. The rescue also represents a significant blow to terrorist groups operating in the region, particularly within the Mandara Mountains, where security forces have intensified offensives against insurgent hideouts.
The successful liberation of the 360 captives has been welcomed by residents and stakeholders across Borno State, offering renewed hope to communities that have endured years of violence, displacement, and insecurity. While challenges remain in the battle against terrorism, the operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian military to continue pursuing armed groups, rescuing victims, and restoring peace to affected communities across the North East.
