Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have detailed how a weeks-long intelligence operation culminated in the rescue of 360 abductees from a Boko Haram enclave hidden deep within the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.
The military described the operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions carried out in the North-East in recent years, involving Special Forces and troops of Sector 1.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the operation was launched after intelligence operatives received credible information about the location of hundreds of hostages being held by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram faction.
The abductees, comprising men, women and children, were reportedly kidnapped from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Military intelligence units subsequently commenced an extensive intelligence-gathering exercise involving human intelligence sources, signal intercepts and persistent surveillance using unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
The intelligence operation enabled commanders to map the insurgents’ hideout, identify defensive positions, monitor movement patterns and assess the condition of the captives.
According to the military, a major breakthrough came after intelligence operatives successfully infiltrated the terrorist network through carefully cultivated assets who supplied real-time information on the location of the hostages, security arrangements within the camp and the activities of insurgent commanders.
The military said coordinated information and psychological operations were also employed to create confusion and mistrust among the insurgents, weakening their cohesion ahead of the assault.
Armed with detailed intelligence, troops launched a coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the enclave and prevent insurgents from escaping or receiving reinforcements.
Special Forces reportedly infiltrated the area under the cover of darkness, while blocking units took up positions along suspected escape routes.
Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, the troops achieved complete tactical surprise and overwhelmed the insurgents before they could mount an organised resistance.
The military said several terrorists fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered as troops advanced on the stronghold.
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The hostages were immediately secured, screened and evacuated from the area.
However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion during the evacuation process due to the difficult terrain and the harsh conditions endured during captivity.
The remaining 358 abductees were safely evacuated and handed over for medical treatment and humanitarian assistance.
The Military High Command commended the troops involved in the operation, describing the mission as a demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and growing synergy among security agencies.
It added that follow-up clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents, dismantle terrorist support networks and prevent future abductions in the region.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace to communities affected by insurgency across the North-East.
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