In one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North East Theatre in recent times, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), comprising Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, successfully rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram terrorists’ enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State.
The operation, which was the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning, resulted in the safe recovery of men, women, and children who had been held in captivity under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
The operation was hailed by the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who commended the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for the successful rescue of 360 abductees from the Mandara mountain, a notorious terrorist enclave in the southern part of the state.
He however urged residents of Mussa, in Askira Uba local government, to continue to keep hope alive as the government is committed to securing the release of the school children.
Similarly, Senator Ali Ndume lauded the Nigerian military, Borno State Government, and other stakeholders for their roles in the rescue of over 400 captives from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area. Ndume, who represents Borno South at the National Assembly, said the operation showed improved synergy between troops, local vigilantes, and government intelligence.
A statement yesterday by the media information officer OPHK, Lt Col Sani Uba, said the successful rescue underscores the growing operational reach, intelligence dominance, and tactical superiority of OPHK in denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting vulnerable populations across the theatre.
He said the operation was initiated following the receipt of credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources indicating the precise location of the hostages and the existence of an elaborate insurgent support network sustaining the enclave.
” OPHK intelligence elements subsequently launched an extensive target development process involving the integration of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations conducted through unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
“Through sustained intelligence collection and analysis, commanders developed a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent disposition, defensive arrangements, movement patterns, and the condition of the abductees. This intelligence-driven approach enabled the force to accurately map the objective area, identify vulnerabilities within the terrorist network, and significantly reduce risks to the hostages during the rescue mission,” the OPHK media information officer said.
He added that a decisive breakthrough was achieved through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by carefully cultivated intelligence assets operating under the supervision of OPHK military intelligence personnel.
He said these assets provided timely and actionable intelligence regarding the exact locations of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders, internal security measures, and planned relocation routes, adding that simultaneously, carefully coordinated information and psychological operations created uncertainty and mistrust within the insurgent ranks, degrading their cohesion and disrupting command and control arrangements.
Uba added that the resulting intelligence advantage provided OPHK with unprecedented situational awareness and enabled commanders to shape the operational environment well before the commencement of the assault phase.
The Theatre Command Spokesman further said acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain, and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal.
” Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces established positions along likely escape routes. The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted.
” Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.
“The hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the objective area. Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity. The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group,” he added.
Uba said the Military High Command has commended the courage, professionalism, and exceptional discipline displayed by all personnel involved in the operation.
” The Military High Command noted that the successful rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, the growing synergy among security stakeholders, and the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens and restore lasting peace to affected communities.
” The Military High Command further reassured the public that aggressive follow-on exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise residual terrorist elements, dismantle remaining support networks, and prevent future abductions,” the statement read.
Commending the operation, Governor Zulum, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism, and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
The governor noted that the mission, which led to the safe recovery of hundreds of men, women, and children held captive by terrorists, has renewed hope among affected communities and reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government, Nigerian military, and Borno State government to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace in the region.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation. Their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens,” Zulum stated.
“The rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists,” he added.
The governor also commended members of local communities for their support, understanding, and cooperation which have contributed to the success of the operation
He reaffirmed Borno State Government’s commitment to continue supporting the military and other security agencies through logistics to sustain their momentum in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Senator Ali Ndume, on his part, noted that most of the rescued persons were women and children held captive by insurgents for months.
“This rescue proves that when security agencies and communities work together, we can defeat terrorism,” he stated.
The senator also urged government to provide immediate medical care, psychosocial support, and reintegration Programmes for the returnees.
He called for sustained pressure on insurgent camps in the Mandara Mountains to prevent future abductions.
