Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued more than 47 civilians, mostly women and children, from captivity during a fresh counterterrorism operation in Borno State.
The victims were reportedly held by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in Kangarwa, located in Kukawa Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, the captives regained their freedom on June 20, 2026, following sustained military offensives targeting ISWAP strongholds around the Lake Chad region.
Military authorities said coordinated ground and air assaults forced the terrorists to flee their positions, creating an opening for the captives to escape.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region,” the statement said.
The military noted that continuous pressure significantly disrupted terrorist activities within the camps and weakened their operational control.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” the statement added.
Operation HADIN KAI confirmed that the rescued civilians have been moved to a secure location, where they are currently receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance.
Authorities also stated that relevant agencies are working toward the safe reintegration of the victims into their respective communities.
“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” the statement said.
The military reaffirmed its resolve to sustain operations across Nigeria’s North East, stressing that efforts will continue to dismantle remaining terrorist networks and restore lasting peace to affected communities.
