Insecurity: Troops foil mass abduction, rescue over 150 victims in Borno

Gallant military troops of the Joint Task Force in the North East have foiled a planned mass abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State and rescued over 150 kidnapped civilians in a swift operation, as part of renewed efforts to end insurgency activities in the country.

According to a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday by Lt Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, the incident occurred at about 1450 hours on March 30, 2026, when troops of OPHK under Sector 2, deployed at Dutse Kura, came under attack while escorting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya axis.

The statement explained that while the troops were decisively engaging the terrorists, surveillance assets detected the insurgents attempting to whisk away a large number of civilians — including men, women, and children — in about 17 vehicles into the bush.

It pointed out that in response, troops of the Quick Reaction Force were immediately deployed to reinforce the location, and that the reinforcements repelled the attack and launched a rapid pursuit towards the Mangari area, forcing the terrorists to abandon both the abducted civilians and the vehicles.

The statement further explained that ” all rescued civilians, estimated at over 150, were safely recovered and moved to Buratai for onward movement to reunite with their families.”

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It, however, pointed out that during the pursuit operation, troops encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis, leaving five military personnel severely injured.

It added that the wounded personnel were promptly evacuated for specialist medical treatment, adding that the successful rescue operation reflected the troops’ high level of vigilance, rapid response capability, and effective operational presence across the North-East.

The statement further added that the military also said the development underscored its determination to deny terrorists freedom of movement and protect vulnerable communities, especially as the Easter season approaches.

The command reassured residents of its sustained commitment to stabilisation efforts, civilian protection, and continued offensive operations against terrorist elements across the theatre.