The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 kidnap victims, including seven women and five children, during a coordinated clearance operation in the Mandara Mountains, Borno State.
The victims were abducted on Nov. 14 while travelling along the Gwoza–Limankara road. They regained freedom on Sunday following a joint operation conducted under Operation Desert Sanity IV and Operation Diligent Search.
Brigade elements of the 26 Task Force Brigade, supported by Hybrid Forces, hunters and vigilantes, launched a pre-dawn assault through the mountain foothills toward Uvaha, forcing insurgents to flee and abandon the captives.
According to military authorities, the victims fled in different directions during the exchange of fire. Troops, who continued search operations in the area, recovered all 12 at about 8:45 a.m.
Those rescued include Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children. The Army said many of them were weak and exhausted from trekking long distances after their captors escaped under pressure.
They were immediately evacuated to the brigade field ambulance, where they received medical attention for injuries, blisters and other health complications attributed to their time in captivity.
After stabilisation, they were handed over to a representative of the Chairman, Gwoza Local Government Area, for reunification with their families.
The military high command commended the professionalism of the troops and acknowledged the role of local informants and security stakeholders whose intelligence supported the operation. It said troops remain on the trail of ISWAP elements across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and protect civilians.
