Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI rescued 92 civilians abducted near Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State on Saturday, May 24.

The military said the operation followed timely intelligence and rapid action.

Troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion at Dutse Kura detected terrorists herding civilians and vehicles into the bush at about 11:22 a.m. through surveillance, the operation’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said.

A Quick Reaction Force was deployed immediately, and reinforcement from the 27 Task Force Brigade garrison joined the mission.

The troops pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari‑Dora area and engaged them in a gun battle.

“All 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females and seven children, along with eight vehicles, were successfully recovered,” the statement said.

The fleeing terrorists planted three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma and Mangari axis to slow the pursuit.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams detected and detonated the devices, permitting troops to continue the chase for about five kilometres beyond Mangari.

Follow‑up searches found the area abandoned by the terrorists, the statement added. The military confirmed no troop casualties during the operation.

Rescue, Recovery And Immediate Care

The rescued civilians received immediate welfare support and were escorted safely toward Damaturu to continue their journey. Medical checks, food and temporary shelter were provided by military welfare teams pending handover to civilian authorities.

The army credited surveillance capability, rapid reinforcement, and coordinated ground action for the successful outcome. The operation recovered eight vehicles reportedly seized during the abduction.

Operation HADIN KAI is Nigeria’s multi‑service campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North East.

The theatre uses intelligence, special forces units, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams to disrupt kidnappings and terror attacks.

Kidnapping for ransom and attacks on civilian convoys remain tactics used by BH/ISWAP across Borno State and neighbouring areas.

Military sources say combined surveillance and rapid response reduce mass abductions and degrade insurgent mobility.

Authorities say they will continue area clearance operations and intelligence follow‑ups to locate fleeing insurgents and recover any missing assets.

Their civilian counterparts in Borno and Yobe will likely coordinate rehabilitation for recovered victims and bolster convoy protection on major routes.

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