Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 360 abductees from a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram) enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State, in a major intelligence-led operation described as one of the most significant hostage rescues in recent times in the theatre.
The operation, carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, followed weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance, and covert reconnaissance targeting the fortified insurgent hideout. According to the military, the mission was built on “the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning”.
The abductees—men, women, and children—were reportedly held under harsh conditions after being seized from several communities, particularly along the Ngoshe axis. Their rescue, the military said, reflects increasing operational reach and intelligence superiority in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts in the North East.
The breakthrough came after what the military described as credible and corroborated intelligence pinpointed the exact location of the captives and the structure of the insurgent network sustaining the enclave. Intelligence operatives deployed Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and aerial surveillance assets in a sustained effort to map the terrain and enemy disposition.
A key development was the penetration of the insurgent network by intelligence assets, which provided detailed information on hostage locations, internal security arrangements, and planned movement routes. The operation was also supported by information and psychological operations that reportedly disrupted insurgent cohesion and command structures ahead of the assault.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, troops launched a multi-axis assault under cover of darkness, with blocking forces positioned along possible escape routes. The military said the operation achieved complete tactical surprise, forcing insurgents to flee into surrounding mountainous terrain or surrender as troops advanced.
“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted,” the statement noted.
The hostages were secured, medically screened, and evacuated to safer locations where humanitarian and medical support is being provided. However, the military confirmed that two infants died due to exhaustion and the difficult conditions endured during captivity and movement across the rugged terrain.
Regrettably, “two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity.”
The rescued abductees are currently receiving care as follow-on clearance operations continue in the area to track fleeing fighters and dismantle remaining support structures.
The Military High Command commended the troops for what it described as exceptional professionalism and discipline, adding that the success underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency synergy.
It further assured that “aggressive follow-on exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise residual terrorist elements, dismantle remaining support networks, and prevent future abductions.”
- Military Rescues 360 Victims From Boko Haram Camp - June 8, 2026
- Police Rescue Ex-Minister’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan - June 7, 2026
- Kwara Police Arrest Notorious Kidnap Syndicate Leader ‘Manti - June 7, 2026