Army Foils Terror Attack, Frees 86 Kidnapped Civilians, Arrests 29 Terror Suspects in Borno

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued 86 kidnapped victims and apprehended 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during coordinated operations in Borno State. The operation, carried out under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) by the Joint Task Force North East, targeted Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the region.

Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the task force, revealed that soldiers from the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 OPHK encountered terrorists on November 9 at Dutse Kura, after intelligence indicated abductions of civilians and vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road. Troops thwarted the attack and pursued the insurgents to Mangari, overcoming them in a follow-up encounter that forced the terrorists to flee.

A search of the area led to the destruction of 11 makeshift terrorist structures and the rescue of 86 victims, including men, women, and children. The operation also recovered weapons and equipment, including an AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. The terrorists’ camp was destroyed during clearance operations.

In a separate operation at Mangada, troops arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria. Recovered items included two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol in jerricans, four gallons of engine oil, two new gun truck tyres, medical supplies, and large quantities of food provisions.

Lt. Col. Uba confirmed that all operations were carried out successfully with no casualties among the troops. The Military High Command commended the professionalism and bravery of the soldiers and instructed Operation Hadin Kai to continue efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-East region.