By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued six abducted civilians and reunited them with their families in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims, three women and three children were freed during a recent operation following sustained military offensives targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
According to a statement by
Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force ( North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba the troops intercepted and rescued the civilians in the early hours of May 1, 2026, around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist movements.
The rescued individuals were identified as Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5).
Preliminary findings revealed that they were among residents abducted during an ആക്രമ on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. They had reportedly been held in captivity at a terrorist enclave in Gava before managing to escape.
During the rescue mission, troops reportedly came under sporadic gunfire from fleeing terrorists attempting to recapture the escapees. However, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a brief exchange, forcing them to retreat into the mountainous terrain.
The statement attributed the successful rescue to intensified operational pressure on terrorist groups, which has weakened their structure and triggered internal disarray. Intelligence reports suggest that the insurgents are becoming increasingly desperate amid mounting losses and the escape of captives.
Following their rescue, the victims received immediate medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to community leaders. They were later reunited with their families in an emotional ceremony facilitated by the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, and witnessed by residents.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and security across the North East, pledging to sustain ongoing operations aimed at rescuing abducted persons and dismantling terrorist networks.
The military also called on members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations, while commending troops for their courage and resilience in the fight against insurgency.
