Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 360 abductees from a Boko Haram enclave hidden deep in the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno State.

Military authorities describe this as one of the most successful hostage rescue missions in recent times.

The victims, mostly women and children, were abducted from communities around the Ngoshe axis.

They were freed during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation by Special Forces and troops of Sector One.

For years, the rugged Mandara Mountains have served as a strategic hideout for insurgents along Nigeria’s border communities.

Acting on weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and covert reconnaissance, troops launched a decisive assault on a heavily fortified terrorist enclave.

The operation integrated Human Intelligence, Signals Intelligence, and aerial surveillance to pinpoint hostage locations and map insurgent positions.

Under the cover of darkness, troops advanced from multiple directions and cut off escape routes.

They overwhelmed the insurgents with speed and precision.

Several fighters reportedly fled into surrounding mountains, while others surrendered.

In the course of the mission, 360 abductees were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety.

Authorities confirmed that two infants lost their lives due to exhaustion and harsh conditions during prolonged captivity.

The rescued victims have been relocated to secure facilities where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support.

The Military High Command commended the troops, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in the North-East.

Follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and destroy remaining hideouts.

Atiku Abubakar Applauds Rescue, But Calls for More Captive Releases

Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has applauded the rescue.

“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.

The former Vice President said this ends months of uncertainty and anguish since the abduction occurred in March.

“Even as this brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since they were abducted in March, we are still faced with threats from terrorism and banditry attacks,” he stated.

Atiku commended the military and security agencies involved.

“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the Nigerian Armed Forces can overcome insurgency if given proper support.

“I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency,” Atiku added.

He called for intensified efforts to rescue nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State.

“Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 school children and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits,” he said.

Atiku renewed calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing intelligence, technology, and preventive measures.

“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nips in the bud terrorist and banditry attacks before they are carried out,” he stated.

Troops earlier overran a military formation in Ngoshe, set vehicles ablaze, dispersed security personnel, killed unknown numbers, and abducted residents.

This rescue represents a significant success, but sustained efforts is still needed if terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across Nigeria will end anytime soon.