By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a significant operational success with the rescue of six abducted civilians who have since been reunited with their families in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the rescue followed sustained offensive operations, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
He explained that acting on credible intelligence, troops, while returning from a successful overnight offensive in the early hours of May 1, 2026, intercepted and rescued six women and children around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist transit activities.
The rescued victims were identified as Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5). Preliminary debriefings indicated that they were among residents abducted during the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026, and had been held in captivity at a terrorist enclave in Gava before escaping.
The statement further disclosed that troops came under sporadic enemy fire during the rescue operation as fleeing terrorists attempted to pursue the escapees. However, the troops responded decisively, engaging the insurgents in a brief exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw into the mountainous terrain.
It added that the successful rescue is linked to intensified operational pressure on terrorist elements, which has significantly weakened their cohesion and heightened internal disarray. Intelligence reports suggest that the terrorists are increasingly desperate and paranoid following sustained losses and the escape of captives, including a 16-year-old girl who had been forcefully married to one of their commanders.
Following the rescue, the victims were administered first aid and medical attention at a military facility before being formally handed over to community authorities. At about 2:00 p.m. the same day, they were reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by members of the community.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassured the public of their continued commitment to securing communities, rescuing abducted persons, and eliminating terrorist elements across the North East. The military also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations, noting that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue with renewed vigour.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their impressive performance and urged them to sustain aggressive operations to dominate the battlespace.
