Troops Rescue 53 Hostages, Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have dismantled a terrorists roadblock mounted by suspected Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 civilians and recovering eight vehicles.

The military operation, carried out on Wednesday by troops of Sector 2, 135 Special Forces Battalion, followed the detection of suspicious activities through surveillance systems monitored by soldiers stationed at Dutse Kura.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops immediately deployed a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) after spotting terrorists mounting an illegal roadblock on the highway.

The troops pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari–Dora axis, where they engaged them in a fierce firefight, forcing the terrorists to retreat.

Following the encounter, soldiers advanced further into the area to clear the terrorists' escape route and establish dominance, although no further contact with the fleeing insurgents was recorded.

The operation led to the successful rescue of 53 civilians who had been held by the terrorists, while eight vehicles abandoned during the incident were also recovered.

Captain Goni said all rescued victims, recovered vehicles and other properties were safely evacuated to Buratai, where the civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluation.

The military described the operation as another significant success in the ongoing offensive against insurgent groups operating in Nigeria's North-East.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism, noting that operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement across the region remain ongoing.

It also urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing timely intelligence on suspicious movements and criminal activities.

"The general security situation within the area remains calm as troops continue to maintain an aggressive posture and dominance," the statement said.

The latest operation forms part of sustained military efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle terrorist networks, secure major transport routes and restore normalcy across the North-East