Army Rescues 92 Civilians Kidnapped by Boko Haram in Borno

MAIDUGURI — Nigerian Army troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 92 civilians abducted by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists on the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation took place on Saturday, May 24, after surveillance systems detected the abduction in progress.

Operation Hadin Kai spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba confirmed the rescue in a statement. He said troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura spotted terrorists herding civilians and vehicles into the bush at approximately 11:22 a.m.

“The unit’s Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, while reinforcement troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were simultaneously activated to join the rescue,” Uba said. The combined force moved swiftly, intercepting the terrorists and freeing all 92 captives.

The rescued civilians included men, women, and children who had been travelling along the highway when they were ambushed. Security operatives said the terrorists routinely target travellers on rural Borno roads, using them as bargaining chips for ransom or as forced labourers.

Surveillance Saves Lives

Military officials said the use of aerial surveillance systems was critical to the success of the rescue. The ability to detect the ambush in near real-time allowed the Quick Reaction Force to mobilise before the terrorists could disappear with their captives into the dense bush.

The DHQ has been investing in surveillance technology as part of a broader effort to improve counterterrorism effectiveness in the northeast. Intelligence-led operations have significantly improved the military’s response rate in the region compared to the hit-and-miss approach of earlier years.

Furthermore, troops also neutralised Improvised Explosive Devices along the rescue route. IED clearing has become a standard part of northeast operations, as Boko Haram and ISWAP regularly lay bombs along roads to slow down pursuing troops and ambush civilian convoys.

Northeast Security Update

Troops also intensified clearance operations in Borno and Yobe states over the weekend, killing several terrorists, arresting collaborators, and forcing surrenders. The military said a series of coordinated operations targeted known terrorist camps and supply routes.

The northeast security situation remains serious despite significant military progress in recent years. ISWAP continues to control territory in remote areas and carries out raids on communities and military positions. However, the combination of airstrikes, ground operations, and community intelligence is gradually narrowing the group’s operational space.

The Defence Headquarters said the rescued civilians are being provided with medical care and trauma support. They will be reunited with their families after completing necessary security debriefings. The army urged residents of Borno and Yobe states to continue providing intelligence to security forces about terrorist movements in their communities.