Troops Foil Mass Abduction, Rescue Over 150 Civilians in North-East

Troops Foil Mass Abduction, Rescue Over 150 Civilians in North-East

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted a planned mass abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in the North-East, rescuing more than 150 civilians in a coordinated military operation.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 2:50 p.m. on March 30, 2026, when troops under Sector 2, deployed at Dutse Kura, came under attack while escorting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya axis.

The troops were said to have responded swiftly, engaging the terrorists while surveillance assets detected that the insurgents were attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, including men, women and children, using about 17 vehicles.

“In a swift and coordinated response, the Quick Reaction Force reinforced the location, repelled the attack and launched a pursuit towards the Mangari area,” the statement said.

It added that sustained pressure from the troops forced the attackers to abandon both the victims and their vehicles, effectively foiling the planned mass kidnapping.

“All rescued civilians, estimated at over 150, were safely recovered and moved to Buratai for onward reunion with their families,” the statement noted.

However, the military said the operation was not without casualties, as troops encountered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis during the pursuit.

Five personnel were said to have sustained severe injuries and were immediately evacuated for specialist medical treatment.

The statement described the injured soldiers as gallant, noting that their sacrifice reflects the military’s determination to protect civilians and deny terrorists freedom of operation.

The military said the successful operation demonstrates the high level of vigilance, rapid response capability and operational effectiveness of troops in the North-East theatre.

It also reassured residents of the region of sustained efforts to secure communities and maintain pressure on insurgent groups, particularly as the Easter period approaches.

The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to stabilisation operations and the protection of lives and property across the region.