Aleke Aleke in Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have thwarted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush and rescued 92 kidnapped victims from BH/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
According to the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the incident occurred at about 1122 hours when troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura detected, through surveillance systems, that BH/ISWAP terrorists were forcibly moving civilians and vehicles off the main road into the surrounding bush.
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He explained that a Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were also activated to support the rescue effort.
“Converging on the terrorists in a well-coordinated pursuit towards the Mangari–Dora general area, OPHK troops engaged the insurgents and forced them to abandon their captives and flee in confusion. All 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females and 7 children, along with eight vehicles, were successfully recovered,” he said.
In a desperate attempt to slow down the advancing troops, the fleeing terrorists reportedly planted three Improvised Explosive Devices along the Bula Zarma–Mangari general area in what was described as a failed ambush strategy.
However, the plan was swiftly neutralised as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded with precision and safely detonated all three devices, clearing the route for continued pursuit. Troops subsequently advanced about five kilometres beyond the Mangari general area, conducting further search operations, but the terrorists had already dispersed in disarray, abandoning their captives, vehicles, and operational objectives.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that no personnel or equipment casualties were recorded during the operation.
The rescued victims were consolidated, provided with immediate welfare support, and escorted by troops to Damaturu, where they were safely handed over to continue their onward movement.
He noted that the operation underscores the operational reach, surveillance capability, and combat readiness of OPHK, adding that it sends a clear message that any attempt by terrorists to abduct or harm civilians in the North-East will be met with swift and decisive force.
