The military high command on Sunday said troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and successfully foiled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush mounted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a swift rescue operation along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lt Col. Sani Uba.
The statement explained that the operation was successfully carried out on Saturday, 23 May 2026, following the detection of terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road into surrounding bushes.
It pointed out that at approximately 1122 hours, vigilant troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura identified the movement of the terrorists through surveillance systems and immediately activated a Quick Reaction Force. Reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were also mobilised to support the rescue effort.
It further added that the troops converged on the terrorists in a coordinated pursuit towards the Mangari-Dora general area, engaging the insurgents in a fierce operation that forced them to abandon their captives and flee in disarray.
The statement said all 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females and seven children, were successfully rescued, while eight vehicles were also recovered during the operation.
It pointed out that the fleeing terrorists attempted to slow down the advancing troops by planting three Improvised Explosive Devices along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis in what was described as a calculated ambush attempt.
According to the statement, however, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team of OPHK promptly responded and safely detonated all three devices, clearing the route and enabling troops to continue the pursuit for about five kilometres beyond the Mangari area.
The statement further noted that subsequent search operations conducted across the area confirmed that the terrorists had abandoned their captives, vehicles and operational objectives before fleeing in confusion.
It added that OPHK troops recorded no personnel or equipment casualties throughout the operation, while the rescued civilians were immediately consolidated, provided with welfare support and escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.
The statement disclosed that the military noted that the successful operation further demonstrated the operational reach, surveillance capability and combat readiness of Operation HADIN KAI, reaffirming its commitment to protecting civilians and denying terrorists freedom of action across the North East Theatre.
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