Troops of operation HADIN KAI have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a suspected ISWAP/JAS roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by Capt. Mohammed Goni, the acting miilitary information officer, headquarters joint task force North East operation HADIN KAI.
According to the army, the operation was carried out on Wednesday, June 24, after troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected suspected terrorists obstructing the highway through surveillance cameras.
“The encounter took place when troops deployed at Dutse Kura sighted terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras.
“A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilized to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion.
“During the operation, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians and also recovered 8 vehicles seized by the terrorists,” the statement read.
The Army said the troops subsequently cleared the terrorists’ withdrawal route, secured the area and conducted further searches, although no additional contact with the fleeing insurgents was established.
“All rescued persons, recovered vehicles and properties were safely moved to Buratai town. The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations,” the statement added.
The military commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response during the operation, describing the rescue mission as another successful effort in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
It also urged residents within the theatre of operations to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with timely information on suspicious movements and activities.
Borno remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency, which began in 2009 with Boko Haram’s violent campaign against the Nigerian state. The region has continued to witness attacks on civilians, security personnel and critical infrastructure despite sustained military offensives.
The latest operation follows another recent success by Operation HADIN KAI, during which troops reportedly neutralised 27 terrorists in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas of Borno state earlier this month.