Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 360 abducted persons from a heavily fortified terrorist enclave operated by the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.
The military described the operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions carried out in the North-East in recent years.
In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert surveillance and detailed planning. The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, had been held captive under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis.
According to the military, the success of the mission demonstrates the growing operational capabilities and intelligence strength of troops in the fight against insurgency in the region.
The operation was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence pinpointing the location of the hostages and identifying a network supporting the terrorist camp. Intelligence personnel subsequently combined Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), aerial surveillance and long-range reconnaissance patrols to gather detailed information about the enclave, its defences and the condition of the captives.
Military commanders were able to map the terrain, monitor insurgent movements and identify weaknesses within the terrorist network. The intelligence breakthrough was strengthened by the successful infiltration of the group through carefully cultivated assets who provided information on the exact locations of the hostages, the disposition of insurgent commanders and internal security arrangements within the camp.
In addition, coordinated psychological and information operations reportedly created confusion and mistrust among the terrorists, weakening their command structure before the assault.
Acting on the intelligence, Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a coordinated multi-directional operation under the cover of darkness. Blocking forces were deployed along likely escape routes while assault teams advanced towards the target area with support from real-time surveillance feeds.
The military said the operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the insurgents before they could mount an organised defence. Several terrorists reportedly fled into surrounding mountainous areas, while others surrendered.
The rescued hostages were immediately secured, screened and evacuated for medical treatment and humanitarian assistance.
However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion during the evacuation due to the difficult terrain and the severe conditions endured during their captivity.
The Armed Forces High Command commended the professionalism, courage and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a major blow to the terrorist group and a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations.
The military also assured Nigerians that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining terrorist elements, dismantle support networks and prevent future abductions.
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) confirmed that all abductees from the Ngoshe area were released on Saturday night. The organisation’s president, Samaila Ibrahim-Kaigama, revealed that four babies born in captivity died from infections, while their mothers are receiving treatment at a government medical facility.
The group welcomed the return of the victims and called on the Federal Government, the Borno State Government and relevant local authorities to conduct proper screening and rehabilitation programmes for the rescued individuals.