Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and foiled an improvised explosive device ambush during a swift operation along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, followed intelligence gathered through surveillance by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura.
According to the military, the troops detected suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists herding civilians and vehicles off the road into nearby bushes at about 11:22 a.m.
A Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed, while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison joined the operation in pursuit of the insurgents towards the Mangari-Dora axis.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a coordinated offensive, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
A total of 92 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, including 52 men, 33 women and seven children. Eight vehicles were also recovered.
Military authorities disclosed that the fleeing insurgents planted three improvised explosive devices around the Bula Zarma and Mangari areas in an attempt to slow down the advancing troops.
However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team successfully detected and detonated all three devices, clearing the route for continued pursuit.
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Troops reportedly advanced about five kilometres beyond the Mangari area during follow-up operations, although the terrorists had already dispersed after abandoning their victims and vehicles.
The military confirmed that no personnel or equipment casualties were recorded during the operation.
The rescued civilians were provided immediate welfare support and safely escorted to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.
The Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the operation demonstrated the force’s surveillance capability, combat readiness and determination to protect civilians across the North East theatre.
