The Nigerian Army has announced the rescue of 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Boko Haram enclave hidden within the rugged Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State, describing the mission as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations recorded in the North-East in recent years.
According to the military, the operation was executed by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, comprising Special Forces and personnel of Sector 1, following weeks of intensive intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance missions and detailed operational planning.
The rescued victims, made up of men, women and children, were reportedly held in captivity under harsh and inhumane conditions after being abducted from various communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis of Borno State.
Military authorities disclosed that the operation targeted a notorious stronghold belonging to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a faction of Boko Haram known for operating within the difficult terrain of the Mandara Mountains.
The Army revealed that the mission was launched after receiving credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources, leading operatives to the exact location where the hostages were being held. The intelligence also exposed an extensive insurgent support network allegedly responsible for sustaining the enclave.
According to the military, intelligence personnel conducted an extensive target development process involving Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations supported by unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
Military commanders reportedly developed a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgents’ defensive structures, movement patterns, operational strengths and the condition of the captives before authorising the rescue mission.
The Army stated that the intelligence-driven approach enabled troops to accurately map the target area, identify vulnerabilities within the terrorist network and significantly reduce risks to the hostages during the operation.
A major breakthrough reportedly occurred when intelligence assets successfully penetrated the insurgents’ network under the supervision of Operation HADIN KAI military intelligence personnel. Sources within the network allegedly provided critical information regarding the precise locations of abductees, positions of insurgent commanders, internal security arrangements and planned relocation routes.
The military further disclosed that coordinated information and psychological operations were deployed ahead of the assault to create confusion within insurgent ranks, weaken cohesion among fighters and disrupt command-and-control structures.
Army authorities described the operation as a testament to the growing intelligence capability, operational reach and tactical effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in the ongoing fight against insurgency across the North-East.
The successful rescue is expected to provide renewed hope to families and communities affected by years of terrorist violence, while reinforcing confidence in ongoing military efforts aimed at dismantling insurgent strongholds and restoring peace to the region.