Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 people, mostly women and children, from an Islamic State West Africa Province enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to The Punch, the rescue operation was carried out on June 20 following sustained military offensives against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
Goni said the victims regained their freedom after intensified ground and air assaults forced the insurgents to abandon their positions.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement read.
He explained that the military’s relentless operations in the Lake Chad region created an opportunity for the captives to escape.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” he added.
According to the military, the rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention and humanitarian support at a secure location.
“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” the statement said.
Goni noted that the operation reflects the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and weakening terrorist networks operating in the North-East.
“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the military’s determination to continue offensive operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist cells and restoring peace across the region.
“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North-East region,” the statement concluded.
Borno State remains one of the areas most affected by insurgency in Nigeria, with thousands of residents displaced, abducted or killed over the years by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
In recent months, the military has intensified operations across the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa axis as part of efforts to weaken terrorist groups and secure affected communities.
