In one of the most significant hostage recovery operations in the North East Theatre, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in the Mandara Mountains, southern Borno State.
The operation—following weeks of intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance and meticulous planning—secured the release of men, women and children held in harsh conditions after being abducted from communities along the Ngoshe axis. Officials say the rescue underscores OPHK’s growing intelligence dominance and tactical superiority in denying terrorists freedom of action.
Intelligence-Led Breakthrough
The mission was launched after corroborated intelligence pinpointed the hostages’ location and revealed an insurgent support network sustaining the enclave. OPHK intelligence units integrated Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and unmanned aerial surveillance to map the terrain, insurgent positions and movement patterns. This data-driven approach reduced risks to the captives and enabled commanders to identify vulnerabilities within the terrorist network.
A decisive breakthrough came when carefully cultivated intelligence assets penetrated the insurgent network, providing real-time intelligence on hostage locations, commander movements and planned relocation routes. Concurrently, coordinated information operations sowed mistrust among insurgents, disrupting their command structures before the assault.
Tactical Execution
Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops from Sector 1 launched a multi-axis operation to isolate the objective area and prevent enemy reinforcement or escape. Under cover of darkness, assault forces infiltrated the enclave while blocking positions secured escape routes. Achieving complete tactical surprise, troops overwhelmed the terrorists, prompting some to flee into surrounding mountains and others to surrender.
All 360 abductees were swiftly secured, medically screened and evacuated. Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion caused by the treacherous mountainous terrain and prolonged captivity. The remaining survivors are receiving medical care and humanitarian support.
Military High Command Statement
The Military High Command commended the courage, professionalism and discipline of all personnel involved, noting that the rescue reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the Armed Forces’ resolve to protect innocent citizens. Officials further reassured the public that follow-on clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise residual terrorist elements and prevent future abductions.