Borno: Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages

Borno: Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages

In a significant blow to terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have dismantled a roadblock mounted by ISWAP/JAS terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya highway in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 innocent civilians and recovering eight vehicles seized by the insurgents .

The successful operation, carried out on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2, represents another major victory in the military’s sustained offensive against ISWAP and JAS terrorists in the region . This latest success comes just days after troops rescued 47 hostages, mostly women and children, from ISWAP captivity in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, underscoring the military’s intensified campaign to dismantle terrorist networks in the Lake Chad region .

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was launched after troops deployed at Dutse Kura detected terrorists mounting an illegal roadblock through surveillance cameras . The detection prompted the immediate deployment of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to the scene, demonstrating the military’s enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities . “A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilised to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion,” the statement read in part .

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During the fierce encounter, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians who had been held hostage by the terrorists . The military also recovered eight vehicles that had been seized by the insurgents before the operation . Security sources confirmed that the rescued hostages comprised 48 adults and five children, with the adults including 20 men and 28 women . The troops advanced approximately 10 kilometres along the insurgents’ withdrawal route to clear the area and conduct further searches, although no additional contact was made . The military confirmed that all rescued persons, recovered vehicles, and other properties were safely moved to Buratai town . The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations at a secure location, with arrangements underway to facilitate their reunion with their families . Military sources confirmed that no casualty or equipment loss was recorded during the operation, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the troops’ rapid response capability .

The Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has commended the professionalism and swift response of the troops, describing the mission as another significant success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East region . The command noted that the operation reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the troops’ rapid response capability in preventing terrorists from causing further harm to innocent road users . The military has urged all citizens within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information regarding any suspicious movements and activities to security agencies . The command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks, and restore peace and normalcy across the North-East region . “The general security situation within the general area remains calm as troops continue to maintain an aggressive posture and dominance in the general area,” the statement added . This operation demonstrates the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians while intensifying efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities in the region .

Borno: Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages