Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have thwarted an attempted abduction by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, disclosed that troops successfully rescued more than 150 victims during the operation.
“All rescued civilians, estimated at over 150, were safely recovered and moved to Buratai for onward movement to reunite with their families,” Uba said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He explained that the victims, including men, women, and children, were on the verge of being transported in about 17 vehicles before troops intercepted the terrorists.
Uba stated that the incident occurred on March 30 when troops escorting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Biu Local Government Area came under attack.
“While decisively engaging the terrorists, surveillance assets identified the insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, comprising men, women, and children, in about 17 vehicles into the bush,” his statement read.
He added that a swift and coordinated response by the Quick Reaction Force led to reinforcement at the scene, the repulsion of the attackers, and an immediate pursuit towards the Mangari area.
“The aggressive pressure exerted by troops forced the terrorists to abandon all abducted civilians and vehicles, effectively thwarting the mass kidnapping attempt,” he said.
Uba noted that five soldiers sustained serious injuries during the operation and are currently receiving treatment after encountering an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma-Mangari axis.
Borno State, the epicentre of insurgency since Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising, has continued to witness attacks by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), attacks in the state increased significantly last year, with 401 military confrontations, 104 bombings, and 141 attacks on civilians recorded in 2025 — the highest since 2020.
ACLED also noted that while 71 suicide bombings were recorded in 2015, the figure has dropped to fewer than five annually in recent years.
However, ISWAP has intensified assaults on military bases, carrying out multiple attacks on installations in recent times, including coordinated strikes reported in the previous week.