By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In a display of vigilance and bravery, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled a terrorist abduction attempt and rescued 31 civilians during a successful military operation along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
Captain Goni explained that at about 3:45 p.m. on 31 July 2026, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, Dutsen Kura, detected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists through real-time surveillance systems as they intercepted four civilian vehicles and abducted the occupants.
Acting on credible intelligence, the battalion immediately deployed a quick Response Force in pursuit of the terrorists as they fled toward the Mangari–Dora general area.
On making contact, troops engaged the insurgents with effective firepower, compelling them to abandon the abducted civilians and the four civilian vehicles before fleeing into the surrounding bush in disarray.
During the operation, troops also recovered motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
According to the statement, all 31 abducted civilians were rescued unharmed, while the four civilian vehicles were recovered intact.
“Following the successful rescue, troops dominated the general area and conducted further exploitation to deny the terrorists any opportunity to regroup. No further contact was made during the operation,” Captain Goni stated.
The rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were subsequently escorted to Buratai, where the victims regained possession of their vehicles and continued their journey safely.
The statement added that the successful operation once again demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in protecting civilians and frustrating terrorist activities.
“The Joint Task Force remains resolute in sustaining aggressive operations to eliminate the remnants of terrorists while ensuring the security of communities and major lines of communication across the North East Theatre,” the statement concluded.
