24/05/2026
Troops Rescue 92 Civilians From Boko Haram Ambush in Borno, Neutralise IED Threat
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued 92 kidnapped civilians following a daring Boko Haram/ISWAP abduction attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
The rescued victims comprised 52 men, 33 women, and seven children, while eight vehicles abandoned during the attack were also recovered during the military operation carried out on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
According to the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, vigilant troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura intercepted the terrorists at about 11:22 a.m. after spotting insurgents forcefully taking civilians away from the highway.
A swift response by a Quick Reaction Force, supported by reinforcements from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison, led to an aggressive pursuit of the terrorists toward the Mangari-Dora axis, where troops engaged the fleeing insurgents in a fierce operation.
Military sources revealed that the sustained pressure from advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee in disarray.
In a desperate attempt to slow down the advancing forces, the insurgents reportedly planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma–Mangari route. However, the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit swiftly detected and successfully detonated all the explosives without casualties.
Troops reportedly advanced several kilometres beyond Mangari during clearance operations, where further searches confirmed that the terrorists had scattered and deserted both their captives and operational objectives.
Lt. Col. Uba confirmed that the entire operation recorded zero casualties on the side of the military, with no personnel or equipment lost during the mission.
The rescued civilians were immediately provided welfare support and safely escorted to Damaturu before reunification procedures commenced.
Military authorities described the operation as a strong demonstration of the operational capability, surveillance strength, and combat readiness of Operation HADIN KAI in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign across the North-East.
The military further warned that any attempt by terrorists to abduct, intimidate, or attack innocent civilians would continue to face decisive and overwhelming resistance from security forces operating within the region.
Kanem360 News Reports