By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a planned mass abduction by terrorists and rescued more than 150 civilians during a military operation in the North-East theatre.
The incident occurred on Monday along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Borno State, when troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) came under attack while escorting civilians in Sector 2 of the operation.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Sani Uba, troops deployed at Dutse Kura were ambushed by terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, at about 2:50 p.m.
Uba said the troops immediately engaged the attackers while escorting civilians travelling along the route.
During the engagement, surveillance assets detected the insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, including men, women and children, using about 17 vehicles to transport them into the bush.
“In a swift and coordinated response, the Quick Reaction Force rapidly reinforced the location, repelled the attack and immediately launched a pursuit towards the Mangari area,” the statement said.
The military spokesman explained that the sustained pressure from the troops forced the terrorists to abandon both the abducted civilians and the vehicles they had assembled for the operation.
“All rescued civilians, estimated at over 150, were safely recovered and moved to Buratai for onward movement to reunite with their families,” he added.
However, while pursuing the fleeing terrorists, troops encountered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis.
According to Uba, five military personnel sustained severe injuries from the explosion and were immediately evacuated for specialist medical treatment.
“The sacrifice of our gallant troops underscores the resolve of Operation Hadin Kai to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect vulnerable populations across the theatre,” he said.
The successful operation, the military said, demonstrates the high level of vigilance, rapid response capability and operational presence of troops across the North-East.
The Joint Task Force further reassured residents of the region of the military’s continued commitment to stabilisation operations, protection of civilians and sustained offensive pressure on terrorist groups, particularly as the Easter period approaches.
