Nigerian Troops Liberate 92 Hostages, Seize 8 Vehicles in Sambisa Forest Raid

In a daring operation, the Northeast Joint Task Force, under the auspices of Operation Hadin Kai, successfully rescued 92 civilians who had been abducted by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists. The rescue mission, which took place in the Buratai-Kumaya axis of Sambisa Forest in Borno State, also resulted in the recovery of eight vehicles. According to Lt-Col. Sani Uba, the Media and Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, the rescued individuals comprise 52 males, 33 females, and seven children from various communities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Uba revealed that the ground troops demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting civilians by executing a swift and decisive rescue operation. The operation began when troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura detected the terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road and into the surrounding bush using their surveillance system. The unit's Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilized, and reinforcement troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were activated to join the rescue. The troops converged on the terrorists in a well-coordinated pursuit, engaging them and forcing them to abandon their captives and flee in confusion. Uba stated that all 92 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, and in a desperate bid to delay the advancing troops, the fleeing terrorists covertly emplaced three IEDs along the Bula Zarma, Mangari general area. However, the plot failed as the unit's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded with precision and successfully detonated all three devices, clearing the route and enabling troops to press the pursuit. The rescued civilians were consolidated, provided with immediate welfare support, and escorted by troops to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey. Uba emphasized that the operation serves as an unambiguous message that any attempt by terrorists to harm, kidnap, or intimidate civilians will be met with swift and overwhelming force across the North East Theatre.