By Ayo Ayodele
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a planned mass abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and rescued more than 150 civilians in the North-East.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the incident occurred at about 2:50 p.m. on March 30, 2026, along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Sector 2 of the operation.
The troops, who were escorting civilians near Dutse Kura, came under attack from insurgents. While engaging the terrorists, surveillance assets revealed that the attackers were attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, including men, women and children, using about 17 vehicles.
In a swift response, a Quick Reaction Force was deployed to reinforce the troops, successfully repelling the attack. The troops then launched a pursuit towards the Mangari area, applying sustained pressure on the fleeing insurgents.
The operation forced the terrorists to abandon both the abducted civilians and their vehicles, effectively foiling the mass kidnapping attempt. All the rescued victims were safely evacuated to Buratai for further arrangements to reunite them with their families.
However, during the pursuit, troops encountered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis. Five soldiers sustained severe injuries and were immediately evacuated for specialist medical treatment.
The military noted that the incident highlights the vigilance, rapid response capability and operational effectiveness of troops in the theatre, especially as the Easter period approaches.
The High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to maintain sustained offensive operations against terrorist elements while continuing to protect civilian populations.