Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters and rescued nine captives in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion stationed in Ngoshe as part of ongoing offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity.
According to intelligence sources by security analyst Zagagola Magama on Wednesday, troops had earlier conducted a successful operation in the Mandara terrain, freeing nine individuals—including women and children—who had been held by the insurgents.
However, at about 10:20 a.m. on April 22, suspected terrorists launched a follow-up assault from the Gava axis, apparently attempting to re-abduct the rescued victims.
The troops responded with what officials described as “disciplined and coordinated firepower,” repelling the attackers and preventing a reversal of the rescue effort.
The military said the swift and decisive response ensured the safety of the freed captives and reinforced ongoing efforts to secure communities in the region.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the rescued victims, a 16-year-old girl identified as Aisha Abubakar, had allegedly been forced into marriage by a Boko Haram commander known as Dabbaba.
The suspect was said to have previously lived in Ngoshe before rejoining terrorist ranks in the Mandara Mountains.
All rescued individuals have since received first aid and remain in military custody for further care and debriefing.
The military high command reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations aimed at rescuing hostages, dismantling insurgent networks, and denying terrorist groups freedom of movement across the North East.