Nigerian forces operating under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 86 kidnapped civilians and arrested 29 individuals accused of supplying logistics to extremist groups during a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations in Borno State.
The Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, announced the development in a statement detailing the latest successes in the military’s campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to Uba, troops from the 135 Special Forces Battalion, under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, confronted militants on 9 November 2025 after receiving reports that insurgents had abducted civilians and seized vehicles along the Buratai- Kamuya Road.
Soldiers engaged the attackers at Dutse Kura, pursued them toward Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up clash near a makeshift camp.
A sweep of the area uncovered 11 temporary structures used by the militants and led to the rescue of 86 hostages, including men, women, and children. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and other equipment. The camp was subsequently destroyed.
In a separate operation, troops stationed in Mangada intercepted and detained 29 suspected logistics suppliers travelling to Chilaria. The group was found transporting petrol, engine oil, tyres for a gun truck, medical materials, and large quantities of food supplies, resources believed to be destined for insurgent fighters. Security forces also seized two pickup trucks and a tricycle loaded with fuel.
Uba confirmed that all operations were completed without military casualties.
Nigeria’s defence leadership commended the troops for their “gallantry and professionalism” and urged them to maintain pressure on extremist groups across the North East.
