Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the operation in a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday. The statement was signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
According to the military, the operation was carried out on Wednesday, June 24, following the detection of suspicious movements by troops stationed at Dutse Kura.
The statement explained that surveillance cameras deployed in the area captured suspected terrorists blocking the highway, prompting an immediate response from security forces.
In response, a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was swiftly mobilised to the location, where troops pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari–Dora general area.
The soldiers eventually made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, forcing the insurgents to retreat into nearby bushes.
“The encounter took place when troops deployed at Dutse Kura sighted terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras.
“A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilized to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion.
“During the operation, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians and also recovered 8 vehicles seized by the terrorists,” the statement read.
Following the exchange of gunfire, the troops cleared the terrorists’ withdrawal routes and maintained dominance over the area while conducting extensive search operations.
The military noted that although no further contact was made with the fleeing terrorists, the operation successfully secured the affected route and prevented further attacks on motorists.
All 53 rescued civilians, along with the recovered vehicles and other properties, were safely evacuated to Buratai town.
According to the Army, the rescued victims are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessments before being reunited with their families.
“All rescued persons, recovered vehicles and properties were safely moved to Buratai town. The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Army commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and swift response, describing the operation as another major success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts across the North-East.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with credible intelligence that could assist future operations.
Borno State has remained the epicentre of Nigeria’s insurgency since Boko Haram launched its violent campaign against the Nigerian state in 2009.
The region continues to experience attacks by Boko Haram and its Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction despite sustained military operations.
The latest rescue operation adds to recent successes recorded by Operation HADIN KAI, including the elimination of 27 terrorists in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas of Borno earlier this month.
