The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced another major success in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, as troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued 86 kidnapped victims and foiled a terrorist ambush in Borno State.
According to a military statement obtained by 9News Nigeria, the gallant troops—operating under the Joint Task Force North East (JTF-NE)—pursued fleeing terrorists towards Mangari, where they engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle. The terrorists were overpowered and forced to abandon their makeshift camps.
In the course of the operation, 86 captives, comprising men, women, and children, were rescued. The troops also discovered and destroyed 11 makeshift terrorist camps used as hideouts and logistics bases by the insurgents.
The Defence Headquarters further confirmed that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and undergoing debriefing at a secured military facility before being handed over to relevant authorities for reunification with their families.
Arrest of logistics suppliers
In a related development, troops deployed at Mangada successfully intercepted and arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers en route Chilaria. The suspects were conveying large quantities of fuel, vehicle parts, and essential commodities meant for insurgent use.
Recovered items from the operation include:
- 2 pickup vans and 1 tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol
- 4 gallons of engine oil and 2 new gun truck tyres
Large quantities of food items and medical supplies
Further search operations led to the recovery of:
- 1 AK-47 rifle with 5 magazines containing 73 rounds of ammunition
- 4 PKT ammunition belts
- 5 civilian vehicles, 5 motorcycles, and 8 bicycles
- 2 logistics tricycles
All recovered items and suspects are in custody for further investigation, while the terrorists’ camps were completely destroyed to deny them any operational foothold in the area.
The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their gallantry, reiterating the Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining momentum in the fight against terrorism and restoring lasting peace and stability to the North East region.
