Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 12 people, including seven women and five children, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in the Mandara Mountains, Borno State.
According to a post on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Tuesday, the victims were abducted on November 14 while travelling along the Gwoza–Limankara Road. They were freed on Sunday after troops carried out a coordinated mission under Operation Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search.
The operation was led by the 26 Task Force Brigade, with support from Hybrid Forces, hunters, and local vigilantes. Troops launched a pre-dawn advance through the rugged foothills toward Uvaha, forcing the terrorists to flee and leave their captives behind.
“Those rescued include Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children. Many of them were exhausted from trekking long distances and showed signs of blisters, injuries, and physical assault,” the Army post said.
The victims were taken to the brigade field ambulance for medical attention and meals before being handed over to a representative of the Gwoza Local Government Area Chairman to be reunited with their families.
The military praised the troops for their swift intervention and credited security stakeholders and local informants for providing timely intelligence. Troops continue to pursue ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and protect civilians.
