The military has rescued 47 civilians, predominantly women and children, from captivity during a counter-insurgency operation in Borno State.
The victims were freed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai following a coordinated offensive against an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) stronghold in Kangarwa, located in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place on June 20, was confirmed in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to Goni, the rescue was achieved after sustained military pressure on terrorist hideouts around the Lake Chad region.
“Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of more than 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State,” he said.
He explained that continuous ground and air operations disrupted the activities of the insurgents and forced them to flee their positions.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.
The coordinated attacks compelled the terrorists to abandon their hideouts, creating an opportunity for the captives to regain their freedom,” Goni stated.
The military spokesperson disclosed that the rescued civilians have been moved to a secure location, where they are receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance.
“Medical personnel are currently attending to the rescued individuals, while relevant agencies are providing the necessary support to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” he added.
Goni noted that the rescue reflects the military’s determination to protect civilians affected by the insurgency and weaken terrorist networks operating across the North-East.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment not only to degrading terrorist capabilities but also to securing the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” he said.
He further assured that troops would sustain ongoing operations aimed at dismantling remaining insurgent cells and restoring peace to communities across the region.
“The Theatre Command remains resolute in its mission to eliminate the remnants of ISWAP networks and restore lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East,” Goni added.
Borno State has remained one of the regions most affected by insurgency in Nigeria, with thousands displaced, abducted, or killed over the years.
Security forces have recently intensified operations in the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa areas as part of efforts to curb terrorist activities and improve security in affected communities.
