Troops rescue 53 hostages, thwart terrorist attack in Borno

Operation HADIN KAI troops rescued 53 hostages after dismantling a roadblock set up by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area, Borno.

Acting Military Information Officer Captain Mohammed Goni, stationed at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, issued a statement on Friday in Maiduguri.

Goni said the operation took place on Wednesday, carried out by the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector II of Operation HADIN KAI as part of ongoing offensive actions against terrorists in the North‑East.

He explained that troops deployed to Dutse Kura detected the terrorists building the illegal roadblock through surveillance cameras, prompting the immediate deployment of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to the scene.

The troops pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area of Borno, where they engaged them in a firefight that forced the terrorists to flee in disarray.

“During the operation, 53 innocent civilians were rescued, and eight vehicles earlier seized by the terrorists were recovered,” Goni said.

“The troops also advanced to clear the insurgents’ withdrawal route, dominated the area and conducted further searches, although no additional contact was made,” he added.

Goni further stated that the rescued civilians, recovered vehicles and other property were safely evacuated to Buratai, while the victims were undergoing documentation and medical evaluation.

He praised the swift response of the troops, describing the operation as another success in the ongoing campaign against insurgents in the region.

The military spokesman urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information on suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

He added that the security situation in the area remained calm, while troops continued to maintain aggressive operations and dominance across the theatre. (NAN)