By Ogochukwu Isioma
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 360 abductees from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State following a carefully planned intelligence-led operation.
The rescue mission, carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, targeted a stronghold of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), where the victims had been held after being abducted from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis.
According to military authorities, the operation was made possible through weeks of intelligence gathering involving human intelligence, signals intelligence, surveillance operations, and reconnaissance missions. This provided troops with detailed information on the location of the hostages, the terrorists’ movements, and the terrain.
Acting on the intelligence, troops launched a coordinated multi-directional assault that achieved complete tactical surprise. Several insurgents reportedly fled the area, while others surrendered as troops secured the hostages and evacuated them to safety.
Military authorities disclosed that all rescued victims were screened and evacuated for medical attention and humanitarian support. However, two infants sadly lost their lives due to exhaustion linked to the harsh conditions of captivity and the difficult mountainous terrain during the evacuation.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their courage, professionalism, and discipline, describing the operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions in the North East in recent times.
The military further assured Nigerians that follow-up operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining terrorist elements, dismantle their support networks, and prevent future abductions in the region.
