Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has praised the Nigerian military, especially troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for the successful rescue of 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist hideout located in southern Borno State.
The governor’s commendation follows a major military operation that led to the recovery of hundreds of victims, including women and children, who had been held captive by insurgents in one of the region’s most challenging terrains.
Following the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community earlier this year, Governor Zulum personally visited affected residents on March 6, 2026, to assess the situation and provide support. Two weeks later, he spent a night in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, where many displaced victims had taken refuge.
During the visit, he assured residents that both the Federal Government and the Borno State Government were working closely with security agencies to secure the release of all those still in captivity.
The governor also travelled to Ngoshe town, where he directed the immediate assessment of buildings destroyed during the insurgent attack and ordered the reconstruction of damaged homes to facilitate the return of displaced residents currently sheltering in Pulka.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described the rescue operation as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the courage, professionalism, and effectiveness of intelligence-driven military strategies that continue to yield positive results in the region.
The governor noted that the successful rescue of hundreds of captives has renewed hope among communities affected by insurgency and reinforced confidence in the efforts being made to restore lasting peace and security.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation. Their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens,” Zulum stated.
“The rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists,” he added.
The governor also acknowledged the role played by local communities, whose cooperation and support contributed to the success of the mission.
He stressed that intelligence provided by residents remains vital in ongoing efforts to track and dismantle terrorist networks operating within the region.
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies through the provision of logistics and other forms of assistance necessary to sustain counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
He said the Borno State Government would continue collaborating with security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at defeating insurgents and ensuring the safe return of displaced persons to their communities.
The governor also addressed residents of Mussa in Askira Uba Local Government Area, where concerns remain over abducted schoolchildren.
He encouraged affected families and community members not to lose hope, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the children.
In addition, Zulum urged citizens across the state to remain vigilant and maintain close cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing military operations.
He emphasized that public participation remains a critical component of efforts to eliminate terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminal activity across Borno State.
