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In a major intelligence-led operation, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) stronghold in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.
The rescued included men, women, and children who had been held under harsh conditions after being abducted from communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
The operation was the result of weeks of meticulous intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning. OPHK relied on a combination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations using unmanned aerial systems and long-range patrols.
“Through sustained intelligence collection and analysis, commanders developed a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent disposition, defensive arrangements, movement patterns, and the condition of the abductees,” a military statement said.
Carefully cultivated intelligence assets provided timely information on the hostages’ exact locations, insurgent leadership, and planned relocation routes, allowing Special Forces and Sector 1 troops to launch a multi-axis assault under the cover of darkness.
The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, with insurgents abandoning positions or surrendering. Unfortunately, two infants succumbed to exhaustion from prolonged captivity and the difficult terrain. The remaining hostages were safely evacuated and provided with medical care and humanitarian support.
The Military High Command commended the bravery and discipline of all personnel involved, describing the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting civilians and dismantling terrorist networks.
The military said that follow-on operations are ongoing to neutralise remaining insurgents and prevent future abductions, reinforcing Nigeria’s resolve to restore peace to affected communities.
