Troops rescue 47 women, children from ISWAP captivity in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from captivity in an enclave operated by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue operation, carried out on June 20, was the latest in the ongoing military offensives targeting terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai.

According to the military, the victims regained their freedom following sustained military pressure on ISWAP fighters, which forced the insurgents to abandon their hideouts.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026,” the statement said.

He explained that the rescue was made possible through a combination of intensified ground assaults and coordinated air operations against terrorist enclaves across the Lake Chad basin.

“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.

“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” the military said.

The military also said the rescued civilians have been taken to a secure location, where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support pending their reintegration into society.

“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” the statement added.

Military authorities described the operation as another indication of the armed forces’ commitment to protecting vulnerable civilians while sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” it noted.

He reaffirmed the determination of the military to sustain ongoing offensives aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP networks and restoring lasting peace across the region.

“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” the statement noted.

Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions since the conflict began more than a decade ago.

Terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, have repeatedly targeted communities across the North-East, abducting civilians and disrupting livelihoods.

In recent months, the military has also intensified operations across the Lake Chad basin and the Sambisa Forest axis.