Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 kidnap victims, seven women and five children after storming Boko Haram hideouts in a high-risk pre-dawn operation in the Mandara Mountains, Borno State.
The rescue, carried out under Operation Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search, brought an end to the victims’ ordeal after they were abducted on 14 November while travelling along the Gwoza–Limankara road.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Nigerian Army, and shared on its Facebook page on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the operation was led by the 26 Task Force Brigade with support from Hybrid Forces, hunters, and vigilantes.
It was added that, the intensity of the troops’ firepower overwhelmed the terrorists, who abandoned their captives and escaped into the mountains.
Those rescued include Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children.
Many were visibly exhausted, having trekked long distances after their captors fled under heavy fire.
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They were immediately taken to the brigade field ambulance for urgent medical attention, where they were treated for blisters, injuries, and the effects of beatings sustained in captivity.
The victims were formally handed over to the representative of the Chairman, Gwoza Local Government Area, for reunification with their families.
The military high command hailed the gallantry and professionalism of the troops, praising the swift coordination and the contributions of local informants and security stakeholders whose intelligence made the rescue possible.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have since intensified operations, continuing the pursuit of ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and secure all civilian communities in the region.