Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have reportedly rescued 360 abducted individuals from Boko Haram enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno State.
A rescue described by the authorities as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations in the North-East in recent years.
According to the Nigerian army press release, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and operational planning. Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a coordinated assault on the insurgents’ hideout after obtaining credible intelligence on the location of the captives and the structure of the terrorist network sustaining the camp.
The rescued victims, comprising men, women, and children abducted from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis of Borno State. All were recovered from captivity and evacuated to secure locations for medical treatment and humanitarian assistance.
Military authorities said the operation combined human intelligence, signals intelligence, aerial surveillance, and reconnaissance patrols. Adopted in order to enhance accurate maps for the insurgents’ positions and minimizing risks to the hostages.
The Nigerian Army reported that it achieved tactical surprise, forcing several terrorists to flee into surrounding mountainous areas while others surrendered.
However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion during the evacuation due to the harsh conditions endured in captivity and the difficult terrain. The remaining victims were successfully rescued and relocated for care and support.
The military high command commended the troops involved in the mission and said follow-up operations are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents, dismantle terrorist support networks, and prevent future abductions in the region.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
