360 Ngoshe abductees regain freedom as troops smash Boko Haram hideout

No fewer than 360 abductees, most of them taken from communities in the Ngoshe axis of Borno State, have regained their freedom after troops of Operation HADIN KAI launched a major intelligence-led operation against a Boko Haram stronghold hidden deep within the Mandara Mountains.

The rescue operation, carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force (Northeast), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), involved Special Forces and personnel of Sector 1, who stormed a stronghold belonging to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a faction of Boko Haram, after weeks of intelligence gathering and operational planning.

Military authorities said the rescued victims comprised men, women and children who had been abducted from several communities, particularly in the Ngoshe axis of Gwoza Local Government Area and held under harsh conditions by the insurgents.

According to the military, the operation was the culmination of an extensive intelligence-driven campaign that combined human intelligence, signals intelligence and persistent surveillance efforts to identify the precise location of the hostages and the terrorist network sustaining the enclave.

In a statement issued by Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, intelligence operatives spent weeks collecting and analysing information on the insurgents’ movements, defensive positions, terrain features and the condition of the captives before launching the rescue mission.

The military disclosed that credible intelligence from multiple sources first revealed the existence of the hostage camp and enabled commanders to commence a detailed target development process.

“Through sustained intelligence collection and analysis, commanders developed a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent disposition, defensive arrangements, movement patterns and the condition of the abductees,” the statement said.

According to the military, a major breakthrough came when intelligence assets successfully infiltrated the terrorist network and provided critical information regarding the exact locations of the hostages, the positions of insurgent commanders and the group’s internal security arrangements.

It noted that the operation was further supported by coordinated information and psychological operations aimed at creating confusion and mistrust among the insurgents, thereby weakening their cohesion and command structure ahead of the assault.

“Armed with real-time intelligence, Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a carefully coordinated multi-pronged operation designed to isolate the target area and prevent reinforcements or escape by the terrorists”, it added.

Military said assault teams infiltrated the objective area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces secured likely escape routes around the mountainous terrain.

“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the insurgents before they could organise an effective response.

“Faced with the rapid advance of troops and superior firepower, several terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding mountains while others surrendered.

“The rescued hostages were immediately secured, medically screened and evacuated from the area”, the statement said.

However, the military disclosed that two infants died during the evacuation process due to exhaustion linked to the difficult mountainous terrain and the severe hardships endured during their prolonged captivity.

Despite the tragedy, the remaining 358 rescued victims were safely evacuated and handed over for medical attention and humanitarian assistance.

Military authorities described the operation as a major success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East and a significant blow to the terrorist group’s kidnapping network.

The Military High Command commended the troops involved for their courage, professionalism and discipline, noting that the operation demonstrated the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military actions across the theatre.

“The successful rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, the growing synergy among security stakeholders, and the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens and restore lasting peace to affected communities,” the statement noted.

The military also assured residents that follow-up operations are already underway to track down fleeing insurgents, dismantle remaining support networks and prevent future abductions.