Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 92 kidnapped civilians from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a swift rescue operation along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation, which took place on Saturday, was carried out by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, the troops detected the terrorists herding civilians and vehicles off the highway into nearby bushes at about 11:22 a.m. using the unit’s surveillance systems.

Following the discovery, the battalion immediately deployed its Quick Reaction Force, while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were mobilised to support the operation.

The troops reportedly pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari-Dora general area, where they engaged them in a firefight, forcing the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.

The military said all 92 victims were rescued successfully. The victims comprised 52 men, 33 women and seven children. Troops also recovered eight vehicles abandoned during the attack.

“In a desperate attempt to delay the advancing troops, the fleeing terrorists covertly planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis in what appeared to be a calculated ambush attempt,” the statement said.

However, the military disclosed that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team successfully detected and detonated the devices, clearing the route for troops to continue the pursuit of the insurgents for about five kilometres beyond the Mangari area.

Subsequent search operations were conducted in the surrounding area, but the terrorists had reportedly dispersed after abandoning their captives, vehicles and operational objectives.

The military added that no casualty was recorded among troops, while no equipment was lost during the operation.

According to the statement, the rescued civilians were provided immediate welfare support before being escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were allowed to continue their journey.

The military said the operation demonstrates the operational capability, surveillance strength and combat readiness of Operation HADIN KAI in countering terrorist activities across the North-East.

It added that the successful rescue sends a strong message to insurgents that any attempt to attack, abduct or intimidate civilians would be met with “swift and overwhelming force” within the theatre of operations.