Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State, in what military authorities described as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations in the North-East in recent years.
The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, had been held captive by members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a faction linked to the Boko Haram insurgency. Many of the victims were reportedly abducted from communities around the Ngoshe axis of Gwoza Local Government Area.
The breakthrough operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and meticulous planning by security forces, according to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, on Sunday.
He said the mission was driven by credible intelligence from multiple sources, which revealed the exact location of the hostages and exposed an extensive support network sustaining the terrorist enclave.
According to the military, intelligence operatives combined Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions using unmanned aerial systems and long-range patrols to build a comprehensive picture of the terrorists’ activities.
The intelligence effort culminated in the successful penetration of the insurgents’ network by undercover assets who provided real-time information on the location of hostages, the disposition of terrorist commanders and planned movement routes.
Military authorities said coordinated information and psychological operations also helped sow distrust among insurgents, weakening their command structure and creating favourable conditions for the rescue mission.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a carefully coordinated multi-axis assault under the cover of darkness. Supported by real-time surveillance, troops isolated the objective area, secured strategic terrain and blocked potential escape routes.
The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an effective resistance.
“Faced with the speed, precision and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered,” the statement noted.
The hostages were immediately secured, medically screened and evacuated to safe locations for treatment and humanitarian assistance.
However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion caused by the harsh terrain and prolonged captivity during the evacuation process.
The Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), which confirmed the release of the captives, reported an even heavier humanitarian toll, revealing that four babies born in captivity had died from infections. The mothers of the deceased infants are currently receiving medical attention at a government facility in the state.
Speaking on the development, BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim-Kaigama, described the release as a moment of relief and hope for affected communities.
“We are happy and grateful that through our efforts, our persistent cries and long discussions, the results are now being seen,” he said.
He added that the return of the women and children marks a significant victory for families and communities that have endured years of pain and uncertainty.
Military authorities praised the courage and professionalism of the troops involved in the operation, describing the mission as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led military campaigns against insurgency in the North-East.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated their commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace across conflict-affected communities, while assuring that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining terrorist elements, dismantle support networks and prevent future abductions.
Meanwhile, BOSYA has urged the Federal Government, Borno State Government and relevant local authorities to ensure proper screening, rehabilitation and reintegration of the rescued victims as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their lives after years in captivity.