By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the Joint Task Force, North East, have rescued more than 47 people, mostly women and children, from suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters in Borno State.
The victims regained freedom during a military operation carried out in Kangarwa area of Kukawa Local Government Area.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.
According to the military, the rescue operation took place on June 20, 2026, after troops intensified attacks against terrorist hideouts around the Lake Chad region.
The statement explained that coordinated land and air assaults forced the insurgents to flee their camps, which created an opportunity for the captives to escape.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region,” the statement said.
Military authorities stated that the continuous offensive weakened activities within the terrorist camps and helped the victims regain freedom.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” the statement added.
The military also confirmed that the rescued individuals have been relocated to a secure facility, where they are currently receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance.
Authorities added that relevant agencies are already working on plans to reunite the victims with their communities.
“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” the statement said.
Operation HADIN KAI further reaffirmed its resolve to continue military offensives across the North-East until terrorist groups operating in the region are dismantled and peace is restored in affected communities.