Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from captivity in an Islamic State West Africa Province enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation was carried out on June 20.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the
Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East
Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
Goni said the victims regained their freedom following
sustained military offensives against terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad
region.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI
(OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the
rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by
ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20
June 2026,” the statement read.
He explained that the operation was made possible by
intensified ground and air assaults on terrorist strongholds, which forced the
insurgents to abandon their positions.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through
sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by
OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the
terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to
escape from prolonged captivity,” he added.
According to the military, the rescued persons are currently
receiving medical attention and other forms of support at a secure location.
“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical
professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being
provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual
reintegration,” the statement said.
Goni noted that the rescue underscores the military’s
commitment to protecting civilians and weakening terrorist networks operating
in the North-East.
“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK
troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the
release of innocent civilians held against their will,” he stated.
He added that the military would continue its operations
aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist cells and restoring peace to the
region.
“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain
offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and
normalcy across the North East region,” the statement concluded.
Borno state has remained the epicentre of insurgency in
Nigeria’s North-East for over a decade, with thousands of civilians displaced,
abducted or killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
In recent months, the military has intensified operations
across the Lake Chad basin and the Sambisa axis as part of efforts to weaken
terrorist groups and secure communities affected by the conflict.
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