Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have overrun one of the terrorists’ most heavily fortified enclaves in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State and rescued 360 abductees in a major hostage recovery operation.
The operation was carried out by OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, who penetrated a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) stronghold in the mountainous area and secured the release of scores of men, women and children abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, said the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and detailed planning.
According to him, the mission was launched after security forces received credible intelligence identifying the location of the hostages and exposing an insurgent support network sustaining the enclave.
He said intelligence personnel integrated Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations using unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
“Through sustained intelligence gathering and analysis, commanders developed a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent dispositions, defensive arrangements, movement patterns and the condition of the abductees. This intelligence-driven approach enabled the force to accurately map the objective area, identify vulnerabilities within the terrorist network and significantly reduce risks to the hostages during the rescue mission.
“A major breakthrough was subsequently achieved through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by carefully cultivated intelligence assets operating under the supervision of OPHK military intelligence personnel. These assets provided timely and actionable intelligence on the exact locations of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders, internal security arrangements and planned relocation routes.
“At the same time, carefully coordinated information and psychological operations created uncertainty and mistrust within the insurgents’ ranks, weakening their cohesion and disrupting command and control structures. The resulting intelligence advantage provided OPHK with unprecedented situational awareness and enabled commanders to shape the operational environment well before the commencement of the assault phase.
“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal. Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area under cover of darkness, while blocking forces established positions along likely escape routes.
“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an organised response. 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.”
Sani said the hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened and evacuated from the area.
“Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion caused by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity. The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical treatment and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group,” he said.
The Military High Command commended the courage, professionalism and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the operation.
It said the rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, growing collaboration among security agencies and the commitment of the Armed Forces to protecting citizens and restoring peace in affected communities.
The High Command also assured that follow-up operations are ongoing to neutralise remaining terrorist elements, dismantle support networks and prevent future abductions.
Linus Aleke
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