Military Operation Rescues 92 Civilians from Boko Haram
A segment of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, successfully rescued 92 civilians who had been abducted by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province along the Buratai-Kamya road in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, resulted in the recovery of eight vehicles from the terrorists and the successful detonation of three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that had been planted by the fleeing insurgents.
This information was released on Sunday in a statement by Mr. Sani Uba, the Media and Information Officer for Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.
Troops from the 135th Special Forces Battalion, stationed in Dutse Kula, intercepted the terrorists around 11:22 a.m. as they attempted to force commuters and civilians off the road and into a nearby bush path.
Upon identifying the situation, the battalion promptly deployed a rapid response force, while reinforcements from the 27th Task Force Brigade Garrison were mobilized to aid the rescue mission.
The troops pursued the insurgents towards the Mangalli-Dola axis, engaging them in a gunfight that compelled the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding area.
The military confirmed that all 92 victims—comprising 52 men, 33 women, and seven children—along with eight vehicles, were safely recovered. Additionally, the statement noted that the insurgents had attempted to erect three IEDs along the Bura Zalma-Mangali route to delay the army’s progress.
However, the explosive ordnance disposal unit of the military quickly detected and neutralized the explosives, ensuring an unhindered pursuit of the insurgents. The team’s efficient response effectively cleared the way for troops to pursue the terrorists approximately five kilometers beyond the Mangali general area.
Subsequent searches across the area revealed that the insurgents had already dispersed, leaving behind their victims, vehicles, and objectives. Operation HADIN KAI reported that no casualties were sustained among personnel or equipment throughout the operation.
The rescued civilians received immediate welfare support before being safely escorted to Damaturu to continue their journey. The military hailed the operation as a demonstration of their operational effectiveness, surveillance capability, and combat preparedness in the northeastern theater.
The military further warned that any attempts by rebel groups to attack or abduct civilians would continue to meet with swift and formidable military responses.
