By Fatima Saka
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and neutralised a planned ambush involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a coordinated operation in Borno State.
The successful rescue mission, carried out on Saturday along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area, underscores the military’s intensified efforts to protect civilians and dismantle terrorist operations across the North-East.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of OPHK, the operation was triggered at about 11:22 a.m. when troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura detected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles into nearby bush paths.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the unit deployed its Quick Reaction Force while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were simultaneously mobilised. The combined forces advanced towards the Mangari-Dora general area, where they engaged the insurgents in a decisive confrontation.
“The terrorists, overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and coordination, abandoned their captives and fled in disarray,” the statement said.
All 92 victims—comprising 52 men, 33 women, and seven children—were rescued unharmed, alongside eight vehicles initially seized by the insurgents.
In a failed attempt to stall the advancing troops, the fleeing terrorists planted three IEDs along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis. However, the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team promptly identified and safely detonated the devices, clearing the route for continued pursuit.
Troops reportedly chased the fleeing insurgents for over five kilometres beyond Mangari, although subsequent search operations indicated the terrorists had dispersed completely, abandoning both their captives and mission.
Notably, the military recorded zero casualties in personnel or equipment during the operation.
The rescued civilians were provided with immediate humanitarian support before being escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.
The military described the operation as a strong demonstration of its surveillance capabilities, rapid response efficiency, and combat readiness.
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“This operation sends a clear message that any attempt by terrorists to harm or intimidate civilians will be met with swift and overwhelming force,” the statement added.
Security operations under Operation HADIN KAI have intensified in recent months, with renewed focus on dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding vulnerable communities across the North-East region.
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