Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued about 360 abducted persons from a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) hideout in the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State, in what the military described as one of its most significant hostage rescue operations in recent times.
The operation, carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and coordinated operational planning aimed at dismantling insurgent networks in the area.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Haruna Sani, the rescued victims—comprising men, women and children—were freed from captivity under harsh and inhumane conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis of Borno State.
Sani said troops acted on credible intelligence that pinpointed the location of the hostages and identified insurgent support structures sustaining the enclave.
He explained that the operation involved a multi-axis assault designed to isolate the target area, block escape routes, and prevent reinforcement, with support from real-time intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance feeds.
“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a meticulously coordinated operation to dominate key terrain and prevent insurgent withdrawal or reinforcement,” the statement said.
Troops reportedly achieved tactical surprise, overrunning the hideout before insurgents could mount an organised response. Several fighters fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered, according to the military.
Following the assault, the rescued victims were immediately secured, medically screened and evacuated to safer locations for urgent humanitarian assistance.
However, the military confirmed that two infants died during the operation, attributed to exhaustion and the severe hardship endured during prolonged captivity and difficult movement across rugged terrain.
The statement described the mission as a “major operational success” and a significant blow to terrorist elements operating in the region.
The insurgent group, JAS, is a breakaway faction linked to Boko Haram, which has sustained attacks and abductions across parts of north-east Nigeria for over a decade.
Military authorities commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline and bravery, adding that the success underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency coordination in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
Operation Hadin Kai continues to lead ground and air operations against insurgent groups in the region, where sporadic attacks and mass abductions have persisted despite years of military campaigns.
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