Operation Hadin Kai Foils Boko Haram Ambush, Frees 92 Abducted Civilians

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and successfully foiled an improvised explosive device (IED) ambush during a rescue mission along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.
According to Uba, the operation was carried out by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura after Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were spotted moving abducted civilians and vehicles into the bush around 11:22 a.m.
He explained that the troops immediately deployed a Quick Reaction Force, supported by reinforcement from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison, to intercept the insurgents.
The coordinated offensive forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee in confusion towards the Mangari–Dora general area.
Uba stated that the operation led to the rescue of 92 kidnapped victims, including 52 men, 33 women, and seven children. Eight vehicles were also recovered during the mission.
He further revealed that the fleeing terrorists planted three improvised explosive devices along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis in an attempt to slow down pursuing troops.
According to him, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams swiftly moved in and successfully detonated and cleared all three IEDs, allowing troops to continue the pursuit.
“Troops advanced about five kilometres beyond the Mangari general area, while follow-up search operations indicated that the terrorists had dispersed in disarray, abandoning their objectives,” he said.
Uba confirmed that no military personnel or equipment was lost during the operation.
He added that the rescued civilians received immediate welfare assistance before being escorted to Damaturu for onward transportation to their destinations.
The military high command commended the troops for their professionalism and rapid response, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of improved surveillance capability, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness.
He reiterated the commitment of the theatre command to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and ensuring the protection of civilians across the North-East region.