Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued ninety-two kidnapped civilians during a swift military operation along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue mission took place on Saturday after troops detected suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists herding civilians and vehicles into the bush.
A statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba explains that the military authorities, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion at Dutse Kura spotted the terrorists through surveillance operations at about 11:22 in the morning.
A Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed, while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison joined the operation to pursue the insurgents.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists around the Mangari-Dora area, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
In the process, ninety-two victims were rescued, including fifty-two men, thirty-three women and seven children.
Eight vehicles were also recovered during the operation.
Military authorities further disclosed that the fleeing terrorists planted three Improvised Explosive Devices, also known as IEDs, along the Bula Zarma and Mangari axis in an attempt to ambush the advancing troops.
However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team successfully detected and detonated all three devices, allowing troops to continue the pursuit without casualties.
Operation HADIN KAI says no personnel or equipment were lost during the mission.
The rescued civilians were given immediate support and safely escorted to Damaturu to continue their journey.
The military says the successful operation demonstrates its continued readiness to protect civilians and combat terrorist activities across the North East.
