The Nigerian troops has rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an operation in Borno state.
The rescue was carried out on June 20 in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state, according to a statement issued by the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai.
Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer of operation Hadin Kai said the operation followed sustained ground and air offensives targeting terrorist strongholds around the Lake Chad basin.
He explained that troops intensified pressure on ISWAP enclaves, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions in disarray, which created an opportunity for the captives to escape and be recovered by advancing forces.
According to the military, the freed individuals had been held in captivity for an unspecified period before the operation disrupted the terrorists’ hideouts.
Goni added that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and humanitarian support at a secured facility, while arrangements are being made for their rehabilitation and reintegration.
He said the operation reflects the ongoing strategy of the military to combine offensive strikes with humanitarian rescue efforts aimed at weakening terrorist networks and restoring stability in the North-East.
The statement further noted that troops will sustain coordinated land and air operations across the Lake Chad region to dismantle remaining insurgent cells and prevent further abductions.
