Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Civilians In Borno

Operation HADIN KAI troops rescue 53 civilians after dismantling an ISWAP roadblock and recovering eight vehicles in Borno State.

Operation HADIN KAI troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled an ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 civilians and recovering eight vehicles during a counterinsurgency operation.

According to a statement issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, the operation was carried out on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, by Sector 2 troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion following intelligence gathered through surveillance.

The military said the operation began after troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected terrorists mounting a roadblock along the highway through surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed to the scene, leading to a firefight with the insurgents.

The statement said the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists towards the Mangari–Dora general area, where they engaged them and forced them to retreat.

According to the statement, “A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilized to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion.”

The military said the operation resulted in the rescue of 53 civilians who had been held by the terrorists, while eight vehicles seized during the roadblock were also recovered.

It added that troops continued to clear the insurgents’ withdrawal route and conducted further searches to prevent any regrouping by the terrorists.

The statement noted that “During the operation, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians and also recovered 8 vehicles seized by the terrorists.”

It further disclosed that all rescued civilians, recovered vehicles and other properties were safely evacuated to Buratai town, while the rescued persons are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluation.

Commending the troops, the Theatre Command praised their professionalism and swift response throughout the operation.

The statement said, “The Theatre Command OPHK commends the professionalism and swift response of the troops.”

The command also appealed to residents across the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and support ongoing military operations by providing credible intelligence on suspicious activities.

It urged citizens “to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information regarding any suspicious movements and activities within their domain.”

The military added that security in the area remains stable, stating that “The general security situation within the general area remains calm as troops continue to maintain an aggressive posture and dominance in the general area.”