The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has rescued more than 47 persons, mostly women and children, from captivity in an operation targeting Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State.
The military disclosed that the victims were freed on June 20, 2026, in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of the state following sustained offensive operations against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the rescue was made possible through intensified ground and air assaults that disrupted ISWAP activities and forced the insurgents to abandon their positions.
The military said the relentless pressure mounted by troops created an opportunity for the captives to escape after being held for an extended period by the terrorists.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region,” the statement said.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity.”
The rescued persons are currently receiving medical attention at a secure location, while humanitarian support is being coordinated with relevant agencies to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest rescue underscores its commitment not only to degrading the operational capabilities of terrorist groups but also to securing the freedom of civilians held against their will.
The military reaffirmed its determination to sustain ongoing operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP networks and restoring peace and normalcy across communities affected by insurgency in the North-East.
“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” the statement added.
