Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation HADIN KAI have rescued six abducted civilians in a successful operation in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue took place in the Mandara Mountains, following intensified offensive operations that included air interdiction missions targeting suspected terrorist hideouts.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted the victims in the early hours of May 1, 2026, near Amuda, a deserted corridor between Ngoshe and Gava known for insurgent movement.
The victims, identified as Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5), were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Lt. Sani Uba, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Saturday.
Preliminary findings indicate they had been held in captivity at a terrorist enclave in Gava before managing to escape.
According to the statement, the troops came under sporadic gunfire from fleeing insurgents attempting to recapture the escapees. Soldiers responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a brief firefight and forcing them to retreat into the mountains.
The operation is part of a broader military push that has increased pressure on terrorist groups, weakening their structure and creating internal disarray.
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Intelligence reports suggest rising desperation among insurgents, following sustained losses and multiple escapes of captives, including a teenage girl previously forced into marriage with a commander.
Following their rescue, the victims received immediate medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to local authorities.
Later that day, they were reunited with their families in an emotional ceremony facilitated by the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in Gwoza, Borno State.
The military reaffirmed their commitment to restoring security across the North East, pledging continued efforts to rescue abducted civilians and dismantle terrorist enclaves.
The military also urged residents to support operations by providing timely and credible information.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their performance and encouraged sustained momentum in ongoing operations to secure lasting peace in the region.
