Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have dismantled one of the terrorists’ most fortified hideouts in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State, rescuing 360 abducted persons in one of the largest hostage recovery missions in the North East in recent times.
The operation, executed by OPHK Special Forces alongside troops of Sector 1, targeted a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave located deep within the rugged mountainous terrain. The troops successfully freed dozens of men, women, and children who had been held in harsh conditions after being abducted from various communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
In a statement, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, described the mission as the result of weeks of intensive intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and meticulous operational planning. He noted that the outcome underscored the force’s expanding operational reach, intelligence superiority, and effectiveness in restricting terrorist activities while safeguarding vulnerable communities.
He explained that the mission was initiated following credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources, which pinpointed the exact location of the hostages and exposed a well-established insurgent support network sustaining the enclave. This intelligence triggered a comprehensive target development process involving Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations conducted through unmanned aerial systems and long-range patrols.
According to him, the intelligence-driven approach enabled commanders to gain detailed insights into the terrain, insurgents’ deployment, defensive structures, movement patterns, and the condition of the captives. This facilitated precise mapping of the objective area, identification of vulnerabilities within the terrorist network, and minimisation of risks to hostages during the rescue.
A significant breakthrough came with the successful infiltration of the terrorist network by carefully managed intelligence assets under OPHK military intelligence supervision. These operatives supplied timely and actionable information on the exact locations of the captives, insurgent leadership structure, internal security arrangements, and planned relocation routes.
Simultaneously, coordinated information and psychological operations sowed confusion and mistrust within the insurgents’ ranks, weakening their cohesion and disrupting their command and control systems. This strategic advantage provided OPHK with heightened situational awareness and allowed commanders to shape the battlefield ahead of the assault.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and Sector 1 troops launched a carefully coordinated multi-directional assault designed to isolate the target area, control key terrain, and block any attempts at reinforcement or escape. Supported by real-time ISR, assault teams advanced under the cover of darkness, while blocking units secured likely exit routes.
The troops achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the insurgents before they could organise a resistance. Confronted with the speed and precision of the attack, several terrorists fled into the surrounding mountains, while others surrendered.
The rescued hostages were promptly secured, medically assessed, and evacuated from the area. However, two infants tragically died from exhaustion due to the harsh terrain and prolonged captivity. The remaining victims were safely relocated for medical care and humanitarian assistance, marking a major operational success and a serious blow to the terrorist group.
The Military High Command commended the courage, professionalism, and discipline demonstrated by personnel involved in the mission.
It added that the successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, improved collaboration among security agencies, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace in affected areas.
The High Command further assured the public that follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining terrorist elements, dismantle support networks, and prevent future abductions.