By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 360 abductees from a fortified terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern 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, were reportedly held captive by members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram faction, after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis of Borno State.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the operation was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and meticulous operational planning by military intelligence units and Special Forces.
He explained that the mission commenced after security agencies received credible intelligence pinpointing the location of the hostages and exposing an extensive insurgent support network sustaining the enclave.
The military subsequently launched a comprehensive intelligence driven operation involving Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, including unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
The intelligence effort enabled commanders to gain a detailed understanding of the difficult mountainous terrain, insurgents’ defensive positions, movement patterns and the condition of the captives, thereby reducing risks to the hostages during the rescue mission.
According to the statement, a major breakthrough came when intelligence operatives successfully infiltrated the terrorist network through cultivated assets who provided actionable information on the exact locations of the abductees, insurgent commanders, security arrangements and planned relocation routes.
The military also employed coordinated information and psychological operations which reportedly sowed confusion and mistrust among insurgent ranks, disrupting their command structure and enhancing the success of the operation.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a coordinated multi-axis assault under the cover of darkness. Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, troops isolated the target area, secured key terrain and blocked potential escape routes.
Military authorities said the operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could organise a meaningful resistance. Several insurgents reportedly fled into the surrounding mountains, while others surrendered.
The rescued hostages were immediately secured, medically screened and evacuated from the area. However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion resulting from the harsh terrain and the severe conditions endured during their prolonged captivity.
The remaining 358 rescued victims were evacuated to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
Commending the troops involved in the mission, the Military High Command described the operation as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations and the growing synergy among security agencies.
The High Command reaffirmed the Armed Forces' commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace across the North-East, adding that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise fleeing terrorists, dismantle support networks and prevent future abductions.
Military authorities said the successful rescue represents a major setback for terrorist groups operating in the region and further demonstrates the increasing operational reach and effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in combating insurgency across the theatre.
