Troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued over 150 civilians and foiled a mass abduction attempt by Boko Haram terrorists.
Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai have rescued more than 150 civilians and thwarted a mass abduction attempt by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the North-East.
The operation, carried out by the Joint Task Force (North East), occurred on March 30, 2026, according to the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Sani Uba.
He said troops deployed at Dutse Kura under Sector 2 came under attack while escorting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya axis.
During the engagement, surveillance assets detected insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians—men, women and children—using about 17 vehicles.
In response, a Quick Reaction Force was deployed to reinforce the troops, leading to a coordinated counter-attack that repelled the terrorists and forced them to retreat towards the Mangari area.
Sustained pressure from the troops compelled the insurgents to abandon both the captives and their vehicles, effectively foiling the abduction attempt.
All rescued civilians were safely evacuated to Buratai for reunification with their families.
However, during the pursuit along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis, troops encountered an improvised explosive device, leaving five personnel seriously injured.
The injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for specialised medical treatment.
The military said the operation underscores the resolve and sacrifice of troops in protecting civilians and denying terrorists freedom of action.
It added that the success highlights the vigilance and rapid response capability of forces in the North-East, assuring residents of continued security efforts, especially ahead of the Easter period.