Troops Thwart IED Ambush, Rescue 92 Abducted Victims In Borno

Troops foil terrorists’ ambush, rescue 92 kidnapped victims and recover eight vehicles in Borno operation.

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have thwarted an Improvised Explosive Device ambush and rescued 92 kidnapped victims from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation was carried out on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the incident occurred at about 11:22 a.m. when troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura detected through surveillance systems that terrorists were forcibly moving civilians and vehicles off the main road into the surrounding bush.

He explained that a Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were activated to support the rescue effort.

“Converging on the terrorists in a well-coordinated pursuit towards the Mangari–Dora general area, OPHK troops engaged the insurgents and forced them to abandon their captives and flee in confusion.

“All 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females and seven children, along with eight vehicles, were successfully recovered,” he said.

In an attempt to slow down the advancing troops, the fleeing terrorists reportedly planted three Improvised Explosive Devices along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis in what the military described as a failed ambush strategy.

However, the plan was neutralised as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely detonated all three devices, clearing the route for continued pursuit.

Troops subsequently advanced about five kilometres beyond the Mangari area and conducted further search operations, but the terrorists had already dispersed, abandoning their captives, vehicles and operational objectives.

Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that no personnel or equipment casualties were recorded during the operation.

The rescued victims were later consolidated, provided immediate welfare support and escorted by troops to Damaturu for onward movement.

He noted that the operation underscored the surveillance capability, operational reach and combat readiness of Operation Hadin Kai.

According to him, the successful mission sends a strong message that any attempt by terrorists to abduct or harm civilians in the North-east will be met with swift and decisive action.