Nigerian Troops Rescue 92 Kidnap Victims, Foil IED Ambush In Borno Operation

Maiduguri, Borno State- Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued no fewer than 92 civilians abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in a swift and coordinated military operation along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation, which took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, underscores the Nigerian military’s renewed offensive against insurgent activities in the North-East.

According to a statement issued by Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), the rescue mission was triggered after troops detected suspicious movements by terrorists in the area.

“At about 1122 hours, vigilant troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura identified terrorists forcefully herding civilians and vehicles off the road into nearby bushes using surveillance systems,” the statement said.

Upon the discovery, a Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed, while reinforcements from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were mobilised to support the mission.

The troops advanced towards the Mangari-Dora axis in a coordinated pursuit, engaging the insurgents in a gun battle that forced them to abandon their captives and flee.

A total of 92 kidnapped victims—comprising 52 men, 33 women and seven children—were rescued unhurt. Eight vehicles earlier seized by the terrorists were also recovered during the operation.

In what appeared to be a last-ditch effort to stall the advancing troops, the fleeing insurgents planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma–Mangari corridor in an attempted ambush.

However, the plan was foiled by the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, which successfully detected and detonated all the devices without casualties.

Troops reportedly pursued the fleeing terrorists for over five kilometres beyond the Mangari area, while subsequent search operations confirmed that the insurgents had retreated in disarray after abandoning their captives and operational objectives.

Military authorities confirmed that no personnel or equipment casualties were recorded during the operation.

The rescued civilians were immediately provided with welfare support and safely escorted to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.

The military said the operation highlights the growing effectiveness, surveillance capability, and combat readiness of Operation HADIN KAI, warning that all attempts by terrorists to intimidate or harm civilians in the North-East would be met with decisive force.