Soldiers rescue 53 hostages, recover eight vehicles in Borno

In a significant counter-insurgency operation, troops under Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a suspected ISWAP/JAS roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

The operation, which took place on Wednesday, June 24, was initiated when troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected insurgents blocking the highway via surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team was immediately dispatched, engaging the terrorists in a firefight as they fled towards the Mangari–Dora general area. The insurgents were forced to withdraw in disarray.

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The encounter took place when troops deployed at Dutse Kura sighted terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras.

During the engagement, the troops not only rescued the 53 civilians but also seized eight vehicles that had been commandeered by the terrorists. Following the firefight, the troops secured the insurgents' withdrawal route, maintained dominance over the area, and conducted further searches, although no additional contact was made.

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During the operation, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians and also recovered 8 vehicles seized by the terrorists.

All rescued individuals and recovered assets were safely transported to Buratai town, where the civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations. The Nigerian Army, in a statement signed by Capt. Mohammed Goni, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response.

The military also appealed to residents within the operational theater to maintain vigilance and continue providing timely intelligence on suspicious activities to security agencies. Borno State remains the epicenter of Nigeria's protracted insurgency, which began in 2009. This rescue operation is the latest in a series of successes for Operation Hadin Kai, which recently reported the elimination of 27 terrorists in other parts of Borno.

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All rescued persons, recovered vehicles and properties were safely moved to Buratai town. The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations.