Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully foiled a planned mass abduction by insurgents linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, rescuing over 150 victims.
In a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Tuesday, the incident occurred on March 30, 2026, along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Borno State.
According to the statement by the Media Information Officer HQs Joint Task Force, Lt. Sani Uba, troops under Sector 2, stationed at Dutse Kura, came under attack while escorting civilians.
The statement added that surveillance systems detected insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, including men, women, and children, using about 17 vehicles.
In a swift response, a Quick Response Force was deployed to reinforce the troops on the ground.
It was gathered that the combined forces engaged the attackers, repelled the assault, and pursued the fleeing insurgents toward the Mangari area.
Uba, in the statement, noted that the pressure forced the militants to abandon both the abducted civilians and their vehicles.
All rescued individuals were safely recovered and transported to Buratai for further processing and eventual reunification with their families.
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However, during the pursuit along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis, troops encountered an improvised explosive device (IED), which left five personnel severely injured.
The wounded soldiers were immediately evacuated for specialist medical treatment.
The military described the operation as a testament to the troops’ resilience and commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
The success underscores ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to limit the operational capacity of insurgent groups and maintain security across Nigeria’s North-East region.
The development comes as security forces intensify vigilance ahead of the Easter celebrations, aiming to prevent attacks and reassure residents of continued military presence and protection.
Uba added that the operation highlights the force’s rapid response capability and sustained pressure on terrorist elements in the region.