Troops Storm Boko Haram Mountain Stronghold, Rescue 360 Abductees in Major Borno Operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Boko Haram enclave hidden deep within the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State in what military authorities describe as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions in recent years.

The operation, carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and detailed operational planning, culminating in the liberation of scores of men, women, and children who had been held captive by terrorists under harsh conditions.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the victims were abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis, and held in a remote Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) stronghold.

The military said the breakthrough was achieved through a sophisticated intelligence-led operation that combined Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted using unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.

The extensive intelligence effort enabled commanders to map the difficult mountainous terrain, identify insurgent positions, understand movement patterns, and assess the condition of the captives before launching the assault.

Military authorities revealed that intelligence operatives successfully penetrated the terrorist network, providing critical information on the exact locations of the hostages, insurgent leadership structures, security arrangements, and planned movement routes.

In addition, coordinated information and psychological operations reportedly sowed confusion and mistrust within the insurgents’ ranks, weakening their command structure and creating conditions favourable for the rescue mission.

Acting on confirmed intelligence, Special Forces launched a coordinated multi-directional assault under the cover of darkness. Blocking units simultaneously secured likely escape routes while assault teams advanced into the objective area with support from real-time aerial surveillance.

The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an organised resistance.

Military sources said several insurgents fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered as troops tightened their grip on the enclave.

The rescued hostages were immediately secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the area.

However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion during the evacuation process due to the harsh mountainous terrain and the effects of prolonged captivity.

The remaining 358 rescued victims have since been moved to safe locations, where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support.

The Military High Command commended the professionalism, courage, and discipline of the troops involved, describing the operation as a testament to the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven military campaigns in the North-East.

It noted that the successful rescue reflects improved synergy among security agencies and reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace across conflict-affected communities.

The military also assured the public that follow-up clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to track down fleeing insurgents, dismantle remaining terrorist networks, and prevent future abductions in the region.

Security analysts have described the operation as a major setback for insurgent groups operating within the Mandara Mountains, a rugged border region long regarded as one of the terrorists’ most difficult and strategic hideouts.