By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified terrorist enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno State.
The rescue mission, executed by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, was the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning, according to a statement released by the Joint Task Force (North East).
Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, said the operation was initiated following credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources indicating the precise location of the hostages.
“OPHK intelligence elements subsequently launched an extensive target development process involving the integration of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations conducted through unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols,” the statement read.
A decisive breakthrough, the military said, was achieved through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by carefully cultivated intelligence assets operating under the supervision of OPHK military intelligence personnel.
“These assets provided timely and actionable intelligence regarding the exact locations of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders, internal security measures, and planned relocation routes,” Lieutenant Colonel Sani added.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, troops launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation under the cover of darkness, achieving complete tactical surprise. The terrorists were overwhelmed before an organised response could be mounted.
“Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered,” the military spokesman stated.
The hostages, comprising men, women, and children who had been abducted from communities particularly along the Ngoshe axis, were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the objective area.
Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity. The remaining 358 rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support.
The Military High Command has commended the courage, professionalism, and exceptional discipline displayed by all personnel involved in the operation.
“The successful rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, the growing synergy among security stakeholders, and the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens and restore lasting peace to affected communities,” the High Command stated.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani further reassured that aggressive follow-on exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise residual terrorist elements, dismantle remaining support networks, and prevent future abductions.
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