Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully rescued 360 abductees during a large-scale intelligence-driven military operation conducted in a suspected Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) stronghold in the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Theatre Command, the operation was described as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions in recent times, involving Special Forces and troops of Sector 1.
The rescued victims—comprising men, women, and children—were reportedly abducted from several communities along the Ngoshe axis and held under harsh conditions within the insurgents’ enclave.
According to the statement, the operation was executed following weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, including Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities supported by aerial and ground reconnaissance.
The Theatre Command said the intelligence effort enabled troops to accurately locate the abductees, map insurgent defensive positions, and identify key vulnerabilities within the terrorist network before the operation commenced.
It further disclosed that intelligence operatives were able to penetrate the insurgent network, providing real-time information on hostage locations, internal security arrangements, and movement patterns within the enclave.
Acting on the intelligence, troops launched a coordinated multi-axis assault under the cover of darkness, blocking escape routes while advancing forces moved into the objective area with precision and speed.
The operation reportedly achieved tactical surprise, forcing some insurgents to flee into surrounding mountainous terrain while others surrendered without resistance.
“All abductees were successfully rescued, medically screened, and evacuated to safe locations for further care and humanitarian support,” the statement said.
However, the military confirmed that two infants died due to exhaustion and the harsh conditions endured during prolonged captivity and difficult terrain.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support at undisclosed safe locations.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and bravery, describing the operation as a demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led counterterrorism efforts in the North East.
It added that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining insurgent elements and dismantle their support networks in the area.
The statement was signed by Lt. Col. Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
