Operation Hadin Kai troops rescue 86 kidnapped victims and arrest 29 terrorist logistics suppliers during major counter-insurgency raids in Borno.

Operation Hadin Kai troops have rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during coordinated counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, the Nigerian Army confirmed on Monday.

Also read: Troops foil Boko Haram attack in Borno, kill six

In a statement posted on X by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 encountered Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters on 9 November near Dutse Kura, along the Buratai–Kamuya Road. The insurgents were reportedly abducting civilians and seizing vehicles when they were intercepted.

“The troops thwarted the attack and pursued the terrorists towards Mangari, overpowering them in a follow-up encounter near a camp,” Uba stated, adding that the insurgents fled in disarray after suffering heavy losses.

A subsequent search and clearance operation led to the destruction of 11 makeshift terrorist structures and the rescue of 86 hostages, including men, women, and children. Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, five magazines loaded with 73 rounds, PKT ammunition belts, several vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. The terrorists’ camp was later destroyed.

In a separate operation at Mangada, troops intercepted 29 individuals suspected of supplying logistics to terrorist groups. Recovered materials included two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol, four gallons of engine oil, new gun truck tyres, a cache of medical supplies, and large quantities of foodstuffs.

Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that all missions were executed without any casualties among troops.

The Military High Command has since commended the “gallantry and professionalism” of the soldiers, urging Operation Hadin Kai personnel to sustain pressure on insurgents and deny them freedom of movement across the North-East.

Also read: Operation Hadin Kai troops repel attacks, kill 50 terrorists

The rescue operation forms part of a wider military offensive targeting terrorist networks and their economic enablers across Nigeria, as the army intensifies efforts to stabilise the region.