Troops rescue 92 kidnap victims, recover vehicles in Borno anti-terror operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 92 civilians abducted by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military disclosed that the rescue operation, carried out on Saturday, also led to the recovery of eight vehicles and the successful detonation of three improvised explosive devices planted by the fleeing insurgents.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura intercepted the terrorists at about 11:22 a.m. while they were forcing commuters and civilians off the road into nearby bush paths.

Following the discovery, the battalion immediately deployed its Quick Reaction Force, while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were mobilised to support the rescue mission.

The troops reportedly pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari-Dora axis, where they engaged them in a firefight, forcing the terrorists to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into surrounding bushes.

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“All 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females and seven children, along with eight vehicles, were successfully recovered,” the military stated.

The statement explained that the insurgents attempted to delay the advancing troops by planting three improvised explosive devices along the Bula Zarma-Mangari route in what was described as an ambush attempt.

However, the military said personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit swiftly detected and detonated the explosives, clearing the route for continued pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.

“The unit’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded with precision and successfully detonated all three devices, clearing the route and enabling troops to press the pursuit approximately five kilometres beyond the Mangari general area,” the statement added.

The military noted that follow-up search operations were later conducted across the area, but the insurgents had already dispersed after abandoning the victims, vehicles and their mission.

Operation HADIN KAI further stated that no casualty was recorded among troops or equipment during the operation.

“OPHK troops sustained zero personnel or equipment casualties throughout the operation,” the statement said.

The rescued civilians were subsequently provided immediate welfare assistance before being escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were allowed to continue their journeys.

The military described the operation as a demonstration of the operational capability, surveillance strength and combat readiness of troops operating in the North-East theatre.

It warned that any attempt by insurgents to attack or abduct civilians within the region would continue to attract swift military response and overwhelming force.