Military Rescues 47 ISWAP Captives in Borno After Fierce Operation in Lake Chad Axis

The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), says it has rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue, according to the military, followed sustained offensive operations and coordinated ground and air pressure that forced the insurgents to abandon their positions in the Lake Chad region.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the operation was carried out on June 20, 2026.

He described the development as a significant humanitarian breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North East.

“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.

According to him, intensified military pressure disrupted the terrorists’ control of their enclave, forcing them to flee and abandon the captives.

He added that the sustained offensive operations created the conditions that allowed the victims to escape from prolonged captivity.

“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 said.

The military confirmed that the rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention at a secure facility.

They are also being provided with humanitarian support in collaboration with relevant agencies to prepare them for eventual reintegration into society.

Captain Musa further stated that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed not only to degrading terrorist capabilities but also to ensuring the safe release of civilians held against their will.

He reaffirmed that troops will continue sustained operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP networks across the region and restoring lasting peace and stability in the North East.

Security authorities say the latest rescue adds to a series of recent operational gains in the Lake Chad axis, where military forces have intensified efforts to clear insurgent hideouts and disrupt their logistics and mobility.

As operations continue, the Theatre Command has urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts aimed at ending years of insurgency in the region.