Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 360 abductees from a fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State in one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North-East in recent years.
The operation, carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and detailed operational planning. The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, had reportedly been abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis, and held under harsh conditions.
According to military authorities, the operation was launched after credible intelligence from multiple sources revealed the precise location of the captives and exposed an insurgent support network sustaining the enclave. Intelligence personnel subsequently integrated Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, including unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols, to develop a comprehensive picture of the objective area.
The intelligence effort enabled commanders to assess the terrain, insurgents’ defensive positions, movement patterns and the condition of the hostages, significantly reducing risks to the captives during the rescue mission.
Military sources disclosed that a major breakthrough came through the successful infiltration of the terrorist network by intelligence assets, which provided real-time information on the location of the abductees, insurgent commanders’ activities, internal security arrangements and planned relocation routes. Coordinated information and psychological operations also reportedly disrupted the terrorists’ command structure and created confusion within their ranks.
Acting on the intelligence, troops launched a carefully coordinated multi-axis assault aimed at isolating the target area, securing key terrain and preventing the insurgents from reinforcing or escaping. Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, assault teams infiltrated the enclave under the cover of darkness while blocking forces sealed likely escape routes.
The operation achieved tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an organised resistance. Several insurgents reportedly fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.
The hostages were subsequently secured, medically screened and evacuated from the area. However, military authorities confirmed that two infants died from exhaustion linked to the difficult terrain and the severe conditions endured during captivity.
The remaining rescued victims were moved to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and discipline, describing the operation as evidence of the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.
It also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting civilians and restoring lasting peace in the North-East, noting that follow-up clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining terrorist elements, dismantle support networks and prevent future abductions.
