Troops Rescue 360 Abductees from Terrorist Enclave in Borno After Major Intelligence-Led Operation

The military has rescued 360 abducted persons from a terrorist enclave in Borno State in what has been described as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations carried out in the North-East in recent years.

The development was announced by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, who said the operation was the result of weeks of intensive intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and meticulous operational planning.

According to the military, the rescued victims—including men, women, and children—had been held in captivity under difficult conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis of Borno State.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani stated that the successful mission demonstrated the growing operational capabilities, intelligence superiority, and tactical effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in combating terrorism and protecting vulnerable communities across the region.

He explained that the operation was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence from multiple sources identifying the location of the hostages and exposing a sophisticated support network sustaining the terrorist enclave.

Military intelligence units subsequently carried out an extensive target development process involving the integration of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations using unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range reconnaissance patrols.

According to the military, the intelligence-driven approach enabled commanders to gain a detailed understanding of the terrain, insurgents' defensive positions, movement patterns, and the condition of the captives, significantly reducing the risks associated with the rescue mission.

A major breakthrough reportedly came through the successful infiltration of the terrorist network by intelligence assets working under military supervision. These operatives provided critical information regarding the exact location of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders, internal security arrangements, and planned movement routes.

The military also disclosed that coordinated psychological and information operations created confusion and mistrust among members of the terrorist group, weakening their cohesion and disrupting command structures before the assault commenced.

Acting on verified intelligence, Special Forces personnel and troops from Sector 1 launched a carefully coordinated multi-directional assault designed to isolate the target area, secure strategic positions, and block potential escape routes.

Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, troops reportedly infiltrated the area under the cover of darkness and achieved complete tactical surprise.

Faced with the speed and precision of the operation, several insurgents reportedly abandoned their positions and fled into nearby mountainous terrain, while others surrendered without resistance.

The military said all hostages were quickly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the area.

However, the operation was not without tragedy. According to the statement, two infants died from exhaustion caused by the harsh mountainous terrain and the difficult conditions endured during their prolonged captivity.

The remaining rescued victims were safely evacuated and are currently receiving medical attention and humanitarian support.

The Military High Command commended the professionalism, discipline, and courage displayed by the troops involved, noting that the successful rescue reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and improved collaboration among security agencies.

It also assured Nigerians that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining terrorist elements, dismantle support networks, and prevent future abductions.

Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) confirmed that all abductees from Ngoshe were released on Saturday night.

Speaking by telephone, the group's President, Samaila Ibrahim-Kaigama, revealed that four babies born while their mothers were in captivity died from infections. He added that the affected mothers are currently receiving treatment at a government healthcare facility.

In a statement, BOSYA welcomed the return of the victims and described the development as a major humanitarian breakthrough for Southern Borno.

The group also urged the Federal Government, Borno State Government, and relevant local authorities to ensure proper screening, rehabilitation, and support for the rescued victims as they begin the process of reintegration into their communities.