Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have reportedly rescued 360 abductees from the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in the Mandara mountains area of southern Borno state.
In a statement, Haruna Sani, acting media information officer of OPHK, said the operation involved Special Forces and troops of Sector 1.
Sani said the victims, comprising men, women and children, had been held captive under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
He described the mission as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations carried out in the north-east theatre in recent times.
According to the statement, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and operational planning.
Sani said troops acted on credible intelligence that revealed the location of the hostages and an insurgent support network sustaining the enclave.
“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain, and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal,” the statement reads.
“Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces established positions along likely escape routes.
“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted.
“Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.
“The hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the objective area.
“Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity.
“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group.”
The statement added that the military high command commended the courage, professionalism, and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the operation.
It said the command noted that the rescue reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, inter-agency synergy, and the armed forces’ resolve to protect civilians.
