By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully rescued six abducted civilians and reunited them with their families in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the rescue followed sustained offensive operations, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted and rescued the victims in the early hours of May 1, 2026, around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist movements, while returning from a successful overnight operation.
The rescued individuals were identified as Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5). Preliminary findings revealed they were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026, and had been held captive in Gava before escaping. During the operation, troops engaged fleeing terrorists in a brief exchange of fire after coming under sporadic attack, forcing the insurgents to retreat into the mountainous terrain.
The military attributed the successful rescue to intensified pressure on terrorist elements, which has weakened their structure and increased internal disarray. Intelligence sources indicate that the terrorists are becoming increasingly desperate following sustained operational losses and the escape of captives, including a teenage girl reportedly forced into marriage by a commander.
Following their rescue, the victims received immediate medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to community authorities. They were later reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by residents.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to securing communities, rescuing abducted persons, and eliminating terrorist threats across the North-East. The military high command commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum while encouraging the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations.
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