By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and foiled an attempted improvised explosive device (IED) ambush by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a swift military operation in Borno State.
The rescue mission, carried out on Saturday along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area, followed intelligence gathered through surveillance by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops detected terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the highway into surrounding bushes at about 11:22 a.m.
The military immediately deployed a Quick Reaction Force while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were mobilised to support the operation.
The troops reportedly converged on the insurgents in a coordinated pursuit toward the Mangari-Dora general area, engaging them in combat and forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
Military authorities said all 92 abducted persons were rescued during the operation. The victims comprised 52 men, 33 women and seven children. Eight vehicles seized by the terrorists were also recovered.
The statement disclosed that the fleeing insurgents attempted to delay advancing troops by planting three improvised explosive devices along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis in what was described as a calculated ambush.
However, the plot was thwarted as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team swiftly responded and successfully detonated the devices, clearing the route for troops to continue pursuit of the terrorists for about five kilometres beyond the Mangari area.
Subsequent search operations across the general area revealed that the insurgents had abandoned their captives, vehicles and operational plans before dispersing in disarray.
Notably, the military recorded no casualty among personnel or damage to equipment during the operation.
The rescued civilians were consolidated, provided immediate welfare assistance and escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.
Operation HADIN KAI said the mission underscored its operational capability, surveillance strength and combat readiness in the North-East theatre, stressing that attempts by terrorists to kidnap, intimidate or harm civilians would continue to attract decisive military response.
