Six abducted civilians have regained freedom after troops of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted and rescued them while returning from a successful offensive mission in the Mandara Mountains.
The Joint Task Force (North East) said the rescue followed sustained offensive operations, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves across the mountainous terrain.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops encountered and rescued the victims in the early hours of May 1 around Amuda, a deserted corridor between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist movements.
According to the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Lt Col. Sani Uba, the troops, while exploiting the success of an overnight offensive, intercepted and safely recovered six women and children who had been held in captivity by terrorists.”
The rescued victims were identified as Mrs. Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5).
Preliminary debriefings revealed that the victims were among those abducted during the March 3, 2026 terrorist attack on Ngoshe community and had been held at an enclave in Gava before escaping.
“Their rescue is a direct outcome of sustained operational pressure which has significantly degraded terrorist capabilities and disrupted their command structure,” Uba said.
The Military disclosed that troops came under sporadic enemy fire as fleeing insurgents attempted to pursue the escapees. “Our troops responded decisively with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw into the mountainous terrain,” he added.
It further noted that intelligence reports indicate growing desperation within terrorist ranks. “The insurgents are increasingly disoriented and paranoid due to sustained losses, including the escape of captives and continuous dismantling of their enclaves,” the statement said, adding that recent developments have weakened their operational cohesion.
Following the rescue, the victims were immediately provided first aid and medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to community authorities.
“At about 1400 hours, the rescued persons were successfully reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by members of the community,” the Military said.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Armed Forces stated: “We remain resolute in our mandate to secure all communities, rescue abducted persons, and eliminate terrorist elements from all enclaves across the North East.”
It also commended the troops for their performance, noting that “their morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue with renewed vigour.”
The Military urged the public to support ongoing efforts, stressing that “timely and credible information from citizens remains critical in sustaining operational successes and ensuring lasting peace in the region.”
