Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for the successful rescue of 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist stronghold in southern Borno State.
The governor described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts and a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations in the North-East.
The rescue mission secured the freedom of hundreds of men, women and children who had been held captive by terrorists, bringing renewed hope to affected communities and reinforcing confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies to restoring peace in the region.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum praised the courage, professionalism and sacrifice displayed by the troops involved in the operation.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and the officers and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation. Their gallantry, professionalism and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens,” the governor said.
He described the rescue of the abductees from the Boko Haram enclave as a significant achievement that underscored the value of inter-agency collaboration and the determination of security forces to ensure that no citizen is left in the hands of insurgents.
“The rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists,” he added.
Prior to the operation, Zulum had visited Ngoshe on March 6, 2026, to assess the security situation and engage with affected residents. Two weeks later, he spent the night with displaced victims in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, where he reassured them of the commitment of both the Federal and Borno State governments to securing the release of those still in captivity.
During his visit to Ngoshe, the governor also directed the immediate assessment and reconstruction of houses destroyed by insurgents to facilitate the return of residents currently taking refuge in Pulka to their ancestral community.
Zulum further commended members of local communities for their support and cooperation, noting that community engagement remains critical to the success of military operations.
He reaffirmed the Borno State Government’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies through the provision of logistics and other assistance necessary to sustain ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
The governor also urged residents of Mussa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area not to lose hope, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren from the area.
He called on citizens across the state to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations aimed at eliminating insurgency and other criminal activities in Borno State.
