Troops from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 360 people abducted by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) from a heavily fortified enclave in the Mandara Mountains, southern Borno State. The military described this as one of the most significant hostage rescues in the North-East in recent times.
The Acting Media Information Officer for OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, announced the development, emphasizing that the operation was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and detailed operational planning. Those rescued—including men, women, and children abducted from various communities, particularly the Ngoshe axis—were found in harsh captivity and are now receiving medical attention from military personnel.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani, the mission was launched after credible intelligence from multiple sources pinpointed the hostages’ locations and exposed the insurgent support network sustaining the enclave. OPHK’s intelligence teams undertook an extensive target development process, combining Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and ongoing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations using unmanned aerial systems and long-range patrols.
The rescued abducted children
This thorough intelligence work enabled commanders to map the terrain, understand insurgent defenses, track movement patterns, and assess the condition of the abductees. A breakthrough came when intelligence assets, operating under OPHK supervision, successfully penetrated the terrorist network, providing actionable details about the abductees’ exact locations, insurgent leadership, security measures, and planned escape routes.
Simultaneously, information and psychological operations disrupted insurgent cohesion and command structures, giving OPHK a decisive intelligence advantage ahead of the assault. Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a well-coordinated, multi-pronged operation at night, isolating the objective area and blocking escape routes. Supported by real-time ISR feeds, the assault achieved complete surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could organize a defense. Many insurgents fled into the mountains or surrendered, allowing troops to swiftly secure and evacuate the hostages.
Tragically, two infants succumbed to exhaustion and the severe hardships endured during captivity. The remaining rescued individuals were safely moved to secure locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a blow to the terrorist group.
The military noted that the successful rescue reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, improved collaboration among security stakeholders, and the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to protect civilians and restore peace to affected communities. Follow-up operations are ongoing to eliminate residual terrorist elements, dismantle support networks, and prevent further abductions.
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) confirmed to Channels Television that all abductees from Ngoshe were released on Saturday night. BOSYA President Samaila Ibrahim-Kaigama added that four babies born in captivity died from infections, while their mothers are receiving treatment at a government facility. The group expressed gratitude for the release, highlighting the persistent advocacy and humanitarian efforts that contributed to the successful rescue. BOSYA also called on federal, state, and local authorities to conduct thorough screening of the rescued victims.
