Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued no fewer than 47 abducted persons in Kangarwa terrorists’ hideouts in Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno state.

The military said the rescued kidnapped victims mainly comprising children and their mothers are residents of Damasak, Gashigar and Bags communities located on the shores of Lake Chad in the state.

Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt-Col. Sani Uba disclosed in a statement on Wednesday in Maiduguri that the ground troops recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captives by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state on 20th June 2026.

Uba further revealed: “The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.

“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity.”

The information officer explained that the rescued victims are currently being attended to by medical professionals at a secure location with additional necessary humanitarian support is also being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration.

He stated that the rescue of about four dozen abductees further highlighted the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region.