Operation HADIN KAI Troops Rescue 92 Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorists’ IED Ambush in Borno State

Troops of the Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 92 civilians abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a swift counter-operation along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation, carried out on Saturday, May 23, 2026, also led to the successful detection and destruction of three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the fleeing insurgents to ambush advancing troops.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura detected the terrorists using surveillance systems while they were reportedly forcing civilians and vehicles off the road into nearby bushes.

He said the unit immediately deployed its Quick Reaction Force, while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison joined the rescue mission.

The troops reportedly pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari-Dora general area, engaging them in a coordinated operation that forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.

Military authorities disclosed that all 92 kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed. The victims comprised 52 men, 33 women and seven children. Eight vehicles were also recovered during the operation.

The statement added that the fleeing terrorists planted three IEDs around the Bula Zarma and Mangari axis in an attempt to delay pursuing troops.

However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team attached to the operation successfully detected and detonated the explosives, allowing troops to continue the pursuit for about five kilometres beyond the Mangari area.

“Subsequent search operations were conducted across the area, but the terrorists, having abandoned their captives, vehicles and tactical objectives, scattered in complete disarray,” the statement noted.

The military further confirmed that no personnel or equipment casualties were recorded during the operation.

The rescued civilians were later provided with immediate welfare support before being escorted safely to Damaturu to continue their journey.

Operation HADIN KAI said the mission demonstrated the operational readiness, surveillance capability and combat effectiveness of troops operating across the North-East theatre, while reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting civilians from terrorist attacks and kidnappings.