By Gloria Attah
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 92 kidnapped civilians after foiling an ambush by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation, which took place on Saturday, was carried out by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops detected terrorists forcing civilians and vehicles off the road and into nearby bushes through the use of a surveillance system at about 11:22 a.m.
Following the discovery, the unit immediately deployed its Quick Reaction Force while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison joined the operation.
The troops reportedly pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari-Dora area, where they engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
Military authorities disclosed that all 92 victims were rescued successfully. The victims included 52 men, 33 women, and seven children. Eight vehicles were also recovered during the operation.
The statement added that the fleeing terrorists attempted to slow down the advancing troops by planting three Improvised Explosive Devices along the Bula Zarma and Mangari axis in what was described as a planned ambush.
However, the operation failed after the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team detected and detonated the devices successfully, clearing the route for continued pursuit of the insurgents.
Troops reportedly continued the chase for about five kilometres beyond the Mangari area before conducting further search operations across the surrounding communities.
The military said the terrorists eventually scattered after abandoning their captives, vehicles, and operational plans.
Operation HADIN KAI also confirmed that no soldier or military equipment was lost during the operation.
The rescued civilians were later given immediate welfare support before being escorted safely to Damaturu to continue their journey.
The military described the operation as another indication of the operational strength, surveillance capability, and combat readiness of troops operating across the North East.
It added that the Armed Forces would continue to respond decisively to any attempt by terrorists to attack, abduct, or intimidate civilians in the region.
