Troops Rescue 360 Abductees from Terrorist Enclave in Borno
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State in one of the most significant hostage rescue operations recorded in the North East in recent times.
The operation, carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and detailed operational planning aimed at locating and rescuing victims held captive by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) insurgents.
According to military authorities, the rescued victims comprised men, women and children who had been abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis, and held under difficult conditions in the remote mountainous enclave.
The military said the operation was launched following the receipt of credible intelligence from multiple sources which identified the location of the hostages and exposed an insurgent support network sustaining the camp.
Intelligence personnel subsequently conducted an extensive target development process involving Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations supported by unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
The intelligence effort provided commanders with detailed information on the terrain, terrorist positions, defensive arrangements, movement patterns and the condition of the hostages, enabling the military to plan and execute the mission with precision.
Military sources disclosed that a major breakthrough was achieved through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by intelligence assets who provided actionable information on the exact location of the abductees, insurgent commanders and security arrangements within the enclave.
The military also employed coordinated information and psychological operations that reportedly created confusion within the terrorist ranks, disrupted command structures and weakened the group’s cohesion ahead of the assault.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain and prevent insurgents from escaping or receiving reinforcements.
Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, assault teams infiltrated the area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces secured likely escape routes.
The operation achieved tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an effective response. Faced with the advancing troops, several insurgents reportedly fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.
Following the successful assault, troops secured the hostages, conducted initial medical screening and evacuated them from the area.
Military authorities, however, disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion linked to the harsh terrain and the prolonged hardships they endured during captivity.
The remaining 358 rescued victims were successfully evacuated to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
The Military High Command commended the courage, professionalism and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a major success in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North East.
According to the military, the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led missions, enhanced cooperation among security agencies and the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect citizens and restore peace to affected communities.
The High Command further assured Nigerians that follow-up clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to neutralise fleeing terrorists, dismantle remaining support networks and prevent future abductions in the region.
The operation represents a significant setback for terrorist elements operating in the North East and reinforces ongoing efforts to restore security and stability across the region.
Troops Rescue 360 Abductees from Terrorist Enclave in Borno