RismadarVoice Reporter,December 2, 2025
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 12 kidnap victims, seven women and five children, during a coordinated clearance operation in the Mandara Mountains, Borno State.
According to a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Tuesday, the victims were abducted on November 14 while travelling along the Gwoza–Limankara Road.
They regained freedom on Sunday after troops launched a joint offensive under Operation Desert Sanity IV and Operation Diligent Search.
Military sources disclosed that the rescue mission was executed by the 26 Task Force Brigade with support from Hybrid Forces, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
The troops reportedly advanced before dawn through the mountain foothills toward Uvaha, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon their captives.
During the assault, the victims dispersed into nearby bushes for safety.
They were later found around 8:45 a.m. by soldiers conducting follow-up searches across the area.
Those rescued include: Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children.
Many of them were physically exhausted from trekking long distances and bore signs of blisters, injuries, and assault.
Soldiers took the victims to the brigade field ambulance for medical attention and meals before handing them over to a representative of the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Area for reunification with their families.
The military high command commended the troops for their swift and professional conduct, while also appreciating local informants and security volunteers for providing timely intelligence that aided the operation.
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI are continuing clearance operations across southern Borno to track down ISWAP remnants and prevent further attacks.
