Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.
The military described the operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions carried out in the North-East in recent years.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani.
According to the military, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and meticulous planning, culminating in the safe rescue of men, women, and children who had been held in captivity after being abducted from several communities, particularly in the Ngoshe axis.
“The successful rescue underscores the growing operational reach, intelligence dominance, and tactical superiority of OPHK in denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting vulnerable populations across the theatre,” the statement said.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani explained that the mission was launched after credible intelligence pinpointed the location of the hostages and uncovered an extensive insurgent support network sustaining the enclave.
He said intelligence operatives employed a combination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions using unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
The intelligence effort enabled commanders to gain a detailed understanding of the terrain, insurgent positions, defensive structures, movement patterns, and the condition of the captives, significantly reducing risks to the hostages during the operation.
A major breakthrough, the military said, came through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by intelligence assets who provided actionable information on the exact location of the abductees, insurgent commanders, security arrangements, and planned movement routes.
At the same time, coordinated information and psychological operations reportedly sowed confusion within the insurgent ranks, disrupting their command structure and weakening their cohesion.
Armed with this intelligence advantage, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a carefully coordinated multi-axis assault designed to isolate the target area, secure key terrain, and block potential escape routes.
Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, troops infiltrated the enclave under the cover of darkness, achieving complete tactical surprise and overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an organised response.
“Faced with the speed, precision and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered,” the statement added.
The rescued hostages were immediately secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the area.
However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion caused by the harsh terrain and the severe conditions endured during their prolonged captivity.
The remaining victims were evacuated to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
The Military High Command commended the professionalism, courage, and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
It also assured the public that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise fleeing terrorists, dismantle support networks, and prevent future abductions.
Meanwhile, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) confirmed that all abductees from Ngoshe were released on Saturday night.
Speaking to Channels Television, BOSYA President Samaila Ibrahim-Kaigama revealed that four babies born in captivity died from infections, while their mothers are currently receiving treatment at a government health facility.
“We are happy and grateful that through our efforts, our persistent cries, and long discussions, the results are now being seen,” the group said in an earlier statement.
“The BOSYA President has been a solid force behind these humanitarian mediations, negotiations, and discussions. This is what leadership is about — standing for the people, speaking for the voiceless, and working tirelessly to save lives.
“To the Ngoshe women and children who were released tonight, welcome home. Your return brings hope, joy, and relief to Southern Borno.”
The group also urged the Federal Government, Borno State Government, and relevant local authorities to ensure proper screening, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the rescued victims.
