Key points
- Troops dismantled an ISWAP roadblock on the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu, Borno State.
- The operation rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles the insurgents had seized.
- A surveillance camera triggered the rapid Quick Reaction Force response on June 24, 2026.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have dismantled a roadblock that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists mounted along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. In the process, the soldiers rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles.
The military said the 135 Special Forces Battalion, Sector 2, carried out the operation on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Notably, it forms part of ongoing offensives against insurgents across Nigeria’s North-East.
ISWAP, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has terrorized Borno and neighboring states for years. Frequently, its members mount illegal checkpoints to abduct travelers and seize vehicles.
Acting Military Information Officer Captain Mohammed Goni announced the results in a statement on X on Friday. According to him, troops at Dutse Kura first spotted the terrorists through surveillance cameras.
How the operation unfolded
He explained that the soldiers acted within minutes of detecting the blockade. As a result, the insurgents had little time to entrench.
Once they confirmed the threat, commanders deployed a Quick Reaction Force to the highway. Subsequently, the team pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari-Dora area.
The troops then made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight. Consequently, the attackers withdrew in confusion and abandoned their positions.
In its account, the command said the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw in confusion. Furthermore, it confirmed that the soldiers recovered eight vehicles the insurgents had seized.
Afterward, the soldiers advanced along the withdrawal route to clear the area. However, they made no further contact as they dominated the general area and conducted searches.
Aftermath and appeal for vigilance
Meanwhile, the military moved all rescued civilians, vehicles and recovered property to Buratai town. According to the statement, the freed civilians are now undergoing documentation and medical evaluation.
Additionally, the military said the insurgents had held the hostages against their will before the rescue. Indeed, officers described their recovery as the operation’s central success.
Operation Hadin Kai praised the troops for their professionalism and swift response. Moreover, it urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to stay alert.
The command also asked the public to keep sharing timely and credible information on suspicious movements. Therefore, officers stressed that community tips remain vital to the campaign.
The security situation in the area remains calm, the military said. Ultimately, troops have maintained what it called an aggressive posture and dominance across the general area.