Troops Rescue 31 Civilians, Foil Boko Haram/ISWAP Mass Abduction in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 31 civilians after foiling an attempted mass abduction by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State, in another major success for ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East. 

The operation followed credible real-time intelligence indicating that armed insurgents had intercepted four civilian vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area on July 31, 2026. Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion immediately deployed a Quick Response Force to the scene to prevent the abduction from succeeding. 

According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the soldiers pursued the fleeing terrorists towards the Mangari–Dora axis, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The sustained military pressure forced the insurgents to abandon their captives and flee into nearby bushland. 

All 31 abducted civilians were successfully rescued unharmed during the operation. Troops also recovered the four civilian vehicles that had been seized by the terrorists, as well as several motorcycles believed to have been used during the attack. 

Following the successful rescue, soldiers conducted follow-up clearance and exploitation operations across the surrounding area to prevent the insurgents from regrouping or launching fresh attacks. Security patrols were intensified along the road to reassure motorists and residents using the route. 

The rescued civilians were safely escorted to Buratai, where they received assistance before continuing their journeys. Military authorities said the swift intervention prevented what could have been another large-scale kidnapping targeting innocent travellers. 

The Nigerian military described the operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and rapid-response capabilities being deployed against terrorist groups operating in the North-East. It noted that improved surveillance and timely intelligence continue to play a critical role in disrupting attacks before they are carried out. 

Operation HADIN KAI has in recent months recorded a number of successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP through coordinated land and air offensives, rescue missions, and clearance operations aimed at restoring security across Borno and neighbouring states. Military authorities have maintained that sustained pressure on terrorist hideouts remains central to ongoing efforts to degrade insurgent capabilities. 

Despite these gains, parts of Borno State continue to experience sporadic attacks by insurgents targeting communities, travellers, and security formations. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The latest operation is expected to boost public confidence in ongoing military efforts to secure major transport corridors and protect civilians from terrorist attacks across the North-East.