By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have executed one of the most successful hostage rescue missions in recent years, freeing 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave hidden deep within the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.
According to a statement signed statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the operation was the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and meticulous operational planning by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1.
The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, had been abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis, and were reportedly held under harsh conditions in the insurgents’ stronghold.
The statement noted that the operation was launched after security forces received credible intelligence from multiple sources revealing the precise location of the hostages and details of an insurgent support network sustaining the enclave. Military intelligence elements subsequently carried out an extensive target development process that combined Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted through unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
Through sustained intelligence collection and analysis, commanders were able to build a comprehensive picture of the terrain, insurgent deployments, defensive positions, movement patterns and the condition of the captives. This intelligence advantage enabled troops to accurately map the objective area, identify weaknesses within the terrorist network and minimise risks to the hostages during the rescue mission.
A major breakthrough was reportedly achieved after intelligence assets successfully penetrated the terrorist network, providing real-time information on the exact locations of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders and planned relocation routes. Simultaneously, coordinated information and psychological operations created confusion within the insurgent ranks, weakened their cohesion and disrupted command-and-control structures.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a coordinated multi-axis assault designed to isolate the target area, dominate key terrain and block potential escape routes. Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault teams infiltrated the objective under the cover of darkness while blocking forces secured likely withdrawal corridors.
The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an organised response. Several insurgents reportedly abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered to advancing troops.
Following the successful assault, the hostages were secured, medically screened and evacuated from the area. However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion caused by the difficult terrain and the severe hardships endured during their prolonged captivity. The remaining rescued victims were evacuated to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
The Military High Command commended the courage, professionalism and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a major operational success and a significant blow to terrorist activities in the North-East.
The High Command stated that the successful recovery of 360 abductees demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, enhanced collaboration among security stakeholders and the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect citizens and restore peace to affected communities.
It further assured Nigerians that follow-up exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise fleeing terrorists, dismantle residual support networks and prevent future abductions across the theatre of operations.
