RismadarVoice Reporters. May 2, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully rescued six abducted civilians in a renewed offensive against terrorist elements operating around the Mandara Mountains in Borno State.
The rescue was achieved during ongoing clearance operations backed by recent air interdiction missions targeting known terrorist hideouts. According to military sources, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted and rescued the victims in the early hours of 1 May 2026 while returning from an overnight operation around Amuda, a deserted route linking Ngoshe and Gava communities in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The rescued persons include Mrs Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5). Preliminary reports indicate that the victims were among residents abducted during a terrorist raid on the Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026 and had been held captive in a hideout around Gava before managing to escape.
During the rescue, troops reportedly encountered sporadic gunfire from fleeing terrorists who attempted to intercept the escapees. The soldiers responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a brief exchange of fire and forcing them to retreat deeper into the mountainous terrain.
Military authorities noted that the operation is part of sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves in the region, which has led to growing disarray among the insurgents and increasing cases of escape by captives. Intelligence sources also point to internal instability within the group following recent losses and failed attempts to retain abducted persons.
Following their rescue, the victims received immediate first aid and medical attention at a nearby military facility before being formally handed over to community authorities. They were later reunited with their families in Ngoshe in an emotional ceremony facilitated by the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, and attended by community members.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at rescuing abducted persons and eliminating terrorist elements across the North East. They also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their professionalism and operational success, encouraging them to maintain momentum in the continued domination of the battlespace.
