Troops Rescue 360 Abductees in Raid on Terrorist Stronghold

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 360 abductees from a stronghold of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State in what military authorities described as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations in the North-East in recent years.

The operation, carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert surveillance and detailed planning, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani.

Military authorities said the rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, had been held captive under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis of Borno State.

The statement disclosed that the operation was launched after troops received credible intelligence from multiple sources on the exact location of the hostages and the network sustaining the terrorist enclave.

To verify and develop the intelligence, military operatives combined human intelligence, signals intelligence and surveillance activities, including the deployment of unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.

The intelligence effort, according to the military, provided commanders with detailed information about the terrain, the terrorists’ defensive positions, movement patterns and the condition of the hostages, enabling troops to plan the rescue mission with precision.

A major breakthrough was reportedly achieved after intelligence operatives successfully penetrated the terrorist network, obtaining information on the location of the captives, insurgent commanders and security arrangements within the camp.

The military also deployed coordinated information and psychological operations that created confusion among the insurgents, weakening their cohesion and disrupting their command structure ahead of the assault.

Acting on the intelligence, troops launched a coordinated multi-directional operation designed to isolate the target area and prevent reinforcement or escape by the terrorists.

Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, assault teams infiltrated the area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces secured likely escape routes.

The military said the operation achieved complete tactical surprise, forcing several insurgents to flee into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered without mounting significant resistance.

The rescued hostages were immediately secured, screened and evacuated from the area.

However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion linked to the difficult terrain and the hardships they endured during captivity.

The remaining 358 victims were successfully moved to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.

The Military High Command commended the troops involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage and discipline, describing the mission as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations.

“The successful rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, the growing synergy among security stakeholders, and the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens and restore lasting peace to affected communities,” the statement said.

The military assured that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to track down fleeing insurgents, dismantle remaining support networks and prevent future abductions in the region.

The rescue operation is being regarded as a major blow to the terrorist group and a significant boost to ongoing efforts to restore security across communities affected by insurgency in the North-East.