Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 86 kidnapped victims and destroyed a major Boko Haram/ISWAP campduring a clearance operation in the Buratai–Kamuya area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted on Sunday by the 135 Special Forces Battalion, followed credible intelligence and surveillance alerts indicating that insurgents were abducting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya route.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (JTF) of Operation Hadin Kai, said troops stationed at Echo 1 in Dutse Kura came under heavy fire from the terrorists around 3:52 p.m.
A Quick Response Force (QRF) was immediately mobilised to reinforce the troops at the location. The soldiers successfully repelled the attack after a fierce gun battle and pursued the fleeing terrorists toward the Mangari axis.
During the pursuit, the insurgents attempted to escape with kidnapped civilians in two vehicles. However, the troops laid an ambush along their escape route, forcing the terrorists to abandon the vehicles and the captives.
A subsequent search and clearance operation in the surrounding areas led to the discovery of a Boko Haram/ISWAP camp, where 86 victims, including men, women, and children, were rescued safely. The army confirmed that none of the victims sustained injuries.
Recovered items from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, five magazines loaded with 73 rounds of ammunition, PKT ammunition belts, five civilian cars, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two tricycles. The identified terrorist camp was later destroyed to prevent further use by the insurgents.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Delta 1 in Mangada intercepted and arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers who were attempting to deliver essential supplies to terrorist hideouts in the region.
Preliminary investigations revealed that eight of the suspects were active couriers directly working with insurgent groups.
Items recovered from them included two pickup vans, a tricycle loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 38 jerry cans of fuel, engine oil, medical supplies, food items, and two brand-new gun-truck tyres.
According to the JTF spokesperson, all suspects and recovered items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further interrogation and investigation.
Military sources said the operations were part of a broader strategy to cut off terrorist supply routes, disrupt logistics channels, and weaken the operational capacity of Boko Haram and ISWAP factions in the North-East.
They added that recent intensified operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States have led to the destruction of several insurgent camps, recovery of weapons, and rescue of hundreds of civilians held hostage by the groups.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against all terrorist groups in the region, assuring the public that efforts to restore peace and stability in the North-East will continue until total victory is achieved.
