Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully rescued 360 abducted civilians from a major terrorist stronghold located within the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State in what military authorities described as one of the largest hostage rescue operations in the North-East theatre in recent years.

The operation was carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 following weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and detailed operational planning.

According to military sources, the rescued victims, comprising men, women, and children, had been held captive by members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) after being abducted from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis.

The rescue mission was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence identifying the location of the hostages and the network supporting the insurgent enclave. Intelligence personnel subsequently conducted extensive target development using a combination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Military planners were able to build a comprehensive picture of the terrain, terrorist positions, movement patterns, defensive structures, and the condition of the hostages, enabling forces to prepare a carefully coordinated rescue operation.

Security sources disclosed that intelligence operatives successfully penetrated the terrorist network, obtaining critical information on the exact whereabouts of the captives, insurgent activities, internal security arrangements, and planned movements within the enclave.

The intelligence breakthrough was reportedly complemented by coordinated information operations that disrupted the terrorists' command structure and created confusion within their ranks ahead of the assault.

Acting on confirmed intelligence, Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a multi-directional operation designed to isolate the target area and block possible escape routes. Supported by real-time surveillance assets, assault teams advanced under the cover of darkness while blocking forces secured key positions around the objective.

The operation achieved complete surprise, overwhelming the insurgents before they could organise an effective response. Several terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered during the operation.

The rescued civilians were immediately secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the area for further treatment and humanitarian assistance.

Military authorities, however, disclosed that two infants died during the evacuation process due to exhaustion linked to the difficult terrain and the harsh conditions endured during their captivity.

The remaining 358 rescued victims were successfully moved to safe locations where they are receiving medical care and support.

The Military High Command commended the troops involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage, and discipline, describing the mission as a major breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts across the North-East.

According to the military, the successful rescue demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the growing coordination among security agencies in the fight against terrorism.

The Armed Forces also reassured the public that follow-up clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to track down fleeing terrorists, dismantle remaining support networks, and prevent future abductions in affected communities.