Troops Attack Terror Camps, Rescue 12 Kidnap Victims in Bold Pre-Dawn Raid
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai executed a bold pre-dawn raid that freed 12 individuals, seven women and five children, held captive by Boko Haram in the unforgiving Mandara Mountains, offering a dramatic end to days of terror and uncertainty.
The victims, who were abducted on 14 November while traveling along the Gwoza-Limankara road, regained their freedom on Sunday after military units launched Operation Desert Sanity IV in conjunction with Diligent Search.
The 26 Task Force Brigade, supported by Hybrid Forces, Hunters, and local vigilantes, spearheaded the operation, advancing through rugged mountain terrain toward Uvaha.
Soldiers engaged the terrorists in intense combat, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee. Exhausted and frightened, the victims scattered into nearby bushes, but troops quickly secured the area, recovering all 12 individuals by 8:45 a.m..
The rescued included Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children. Many bore visible signs of exhaustion, blisters, and injuries sustained during their captivity.
Troops immediately transported them to the brigade’s field ambulance, where medics provided urgent care.
Once stabilized and fed, the victims were handed over to a representative of the Chairman, Gwoza Local Government Area for reunification with their families.
Military authorities praised the operation as a testament to the troops’ speed, precision, and courage, emphasizing the critical role of timely intelligence from local informants and security stakeholders.
They warned that the hunt for remaining ISWAP elements in southern Borno would continue relentlessly to prevent further attacks and ensure civilian safety.
The operation highlights the military’s proactive stance against terrorism in northeastern Nigeria and underscores its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from abduction and violence.
