Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a suspected terrorist roadblock along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the operation in a statement posted on its X account on Friday. According to the statement, signed by the Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the operation took place on Wednesday, June 24.
The Army said troops deployed at Dutse Kura detected suspicious activity after surveillance cameras captured suspected ISWAP/JAS fighters blocking the highway.
A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was immediately deployed to the area, where soldiers pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari-Dora axis. The troops engaged the suspects in a firefight, forcing them to retreat.
During the operation, the troops rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles that had reportedly been seized by the terrorists.
Following the exchange, soldiers cleared the route used by the fleeing insurgents and carried out further search operations to secure the area. The Army said no additional contact was made during the follow-up operation.
"All rescued persons, recovered vehicles and properties were safely moved to Buratai town. The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations," the statement said.
The military commended the troops for their swift response and urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence on suspicious activities to security agencies.
Borno State has remained the epicentre of Nigeria's insurgency since Boko Haram launched its campaign in 2009. Although military operations have weakened insurgent groups in parts of the state, attacks on civilians, security personnel and public infrastructure continue to occur.
The latest operation adds to a series of recent counter-insurgency successes recorded by Operation HADIN KAI. Earlier this month, the military announced that troops killed 27 suspected terrorists during separate operations in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas of Borno State.
