Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully rescued 360 people, mostly women and children, who were abducted by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military disclosed that the operation ranks among the most significant hostage rescue missions conducted in the North-East in recent years.
It will be recalled that on March 3, 2026, insurgents launched an attack on Ngoshe community, causing widespread destruction before troops repelled the assault and neutralised several terrorists.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, the military explained that the rescued victims were freed from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) hideout located deep within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno State.
According to Sani, the mission was the result of weeks of detailed intelligence gathering, covert surveillance operations, and strategic planning by Special Forces and troops attached to Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force.
He stated that the victims had been held under difficult and inhumane conditions after being kidnapped from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
“The successful rescue highlights the expanding operational capability, intelligence superiority, and tactical effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in denying terrorists freedom of movement while protecting civilians across the theatre of operations,” the statement noted.
The military said the operation commenced after security agencies received credible intelligence from multiple sources identifying the exact location of the hostages and uncovering an insurgent support structure sustaining the terrorist enclave.
Following the intelligence breakthrough, military intelligence units initiated an extensive target development process that combined Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted through unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
The intelligence-driven effort enabled commanders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent deployment patterns, defensive structures, movement routes, and the condition of the abductees.
According to the military, this detailed assessment helped troops accurately map the objective area, identify weaknesses within the terrorist network, and significantly reduce risks to the captives during the rescue operation.
Sani further revealed that a major breakthrough was achieved through the successful infiltration of the terrorist network by specially cultivated intelligence assets working under the supervision of military intelligence personnel.
These operatives reportedly supplied timely and actionable information regarding the precise location of the abductees, insurgent leadership positions, internal security arrangements, and planned relocation routes.
In addition, coordinated information and psychological operations were carried out to sow confusion and distrust within the terrorist ranks, weakening their command structure and reducing their operational effectiveness.
The military noted that this intelligence advantage provided commanders with exceptional situational awareness and allowed them to shape the operational environment before launching the assault.
Acting on verified intelligence, Special Forces and Sector 1 troops executed a carefully coordinated multi-directional operation aimed at isolating the target area, securing strategic positions, and preventing terrorist reinforcements or escape.
Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, assault teams infiltrated the enclave under the cover of darkness while blocking forces secured likely escape routes.
The operation achieved complete surprise, overwhelming the insurgents before they could organise an effective response.
Faced with the speed and precision of the military offensive, several terrorists reportedly abandoned their positions and fled into nearby mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.
Troops immediately secured the hostages, conducted medical assessments, and evacuated them from the area.
However, the military disclosed that two infants tragically died from exhaustion caused by the harsh terrain and the effects of prolonged captivity during the evacuation process.
The remaining rescued victims were safely transported to secure locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
The military described the operation as a major blow to terrorist activities in the region and a significant victory in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
The Military High Command commended the bravery, professionalism, and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the mission.
It stated that the successful rescue demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations, enhanced cooperation among security agencies, and the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting citizens and restoring peace in conflict-affected communities.
The military also assured Nigerians that follow-up clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining terrorist elements, dismantle support networks, and prevent future abductions.
