Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages, Recover Eight Vehicles

.Army to recruit additional 28,000 troops to tackle growing insecurity

.Nigeria strengthens defence cooperation with United Kingdom

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have dismantled a roadblock mounted by JAS/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 civilians and recovering eight vehicles during the operation.

This was as the Nigerian Army has concluded arrangements to recruit and train an additional 28,000 personnel as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.

Also, Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with the United Kingdom as both countries seek to deepen collaboration in addressing evolving security challenges.

The operation was carried out on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai as part of the military’s sustained offensive against JAS/ISWAP terrorists in the North-east.

According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was launched after troops deployed at Dutse Kura detected the terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras.

He said a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was immediately dispatched to the location and pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari–Dora general area, where troops made contact and engaged them in a firefight, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.

“During the operation, troops rescued 53 civilians held by the insurgents and recovered eight vehicles seized by the terrorists. They subsequently advanced to clear the terrorists’ withdrawal route, dominated the area and conducted further search operations, although no additional contact was established.

All rescued civilians, recovered vehicles and other property were safely evacuated to Buratai town. The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluation,” the statement said. 

The Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai commended the professionalism and swift response of the troops. It also urged residents across the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.

The Command added that the general security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining an aggressive operational posture and sustained dominance across the general area.

The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal and subversive elements the freedom to operate, stressing that sustained peace and security remain essential to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday to herald the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the Service would continue to conduct its operations in strict compliance with the rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, and both domestic and international legal frameworks governing the protection of human rights.

The COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, said a key pillar of his vision is the ‘Soldier-First’ culture, which places the welfare of personnel and their families at the heart of operational effectiveness.

He said: “We are also improving our deployment strategies and employing modern technology as a force multiplier in our efforts to quickly degrade all forms of criminality across the country.

“Manpower is as important as the equipment required to fight insecurity. To this end, we have expanded our recruitment scope by establishing another training depot at Amasiri Edda, making it the third institution to train able-bodied civilians for the Nigerian Army, thereby enhancing our manpower.

“With this action, the Nigerian Army is expected to recruit and train an additional 28,000 troops to help stem the tide of insecurity across the country. Accordingly, the Nigerian Army has established additional brigades and units to boost our operations, while continuously reviewing our force structure to cover observed gaps in our deployments to address emerging security challenges across the country.

“We have also continued to enhance our operational capability by the induction of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.

“Furthermore, we have institutionalized measures to celebrate gallantry and honour our heroes. We have also commenced massive infrastructure improvements across all Nigerian Army formations and units nationwide. As we celebrate, we must not forget the role the Nigerian Army has played and continues to play in ensuring peace and democratic processes in the Sub-Saharan region.”

Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to protecting human rights, the COAS said, “Accordingly, we shall continue to discharge our constitutional duties in tandem with the rules of engagement, with respect for all aspects of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as other international principles and guidelines.”

He noted that the Nigerian Army has remained steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities despite the country’s evolving security environment.

According to him, the Service has continued to expand and modernise its capabilities to meet emerging threats.

“Today, our troops are actively engaged in multiple operations across the country, significantly degrading the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, insurgent groups, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other non-state actors threatening national peace and stability,” he added.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), restated the country’s commitment to strengthening of defence cooperation at the Ship House in Abuja while receiving the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, and his delegation.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the UK delegation is in Nigeria to participate in the 4th UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP4) Dialogue.

During the high-level engagement, General Musa underscored the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and regional stability.

“Nigeria values its historic and strategic relationship with the United Kingdom,” the minister stated.

As part of efforts to further strengthen the partnership, the minister and the visiting UK National Security Adviser agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between both countries. 

The review will focus on modernising security protocols, expanding technical training, and enhancing capacity-building for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the two-day SDP4 Dialogue hosted by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

The dialogue, co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and his UK counterpart, Jonathan Powell, concluded with the adoption of a robust agenda to advance bilateral security cooperation through 2026 and beyond.