Nigerian troops rescue 92 kidnapped civilians in Borno state operation

Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) say they have rescued 92 civilians abducted by suspected Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The spokesperson for the joint task force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the operation in a statement, saying it was carried out on May 23 after troops detected militants moving civilians and vehicles into a forested area, Caliber.Az reports per Nigerian media.

The rescue mission was supported by surveillance systems, according to the military.

Following the detection, “the unit's Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, while reinforcement troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were simultaneously activated to join the rescue,” Uba said.

Troops pursued the militants toward the Mangari–Dora area, where they engaged in a firefight that forced the attackers to abandon the captives and flee.

“All 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females and 7 children, along with 8 vehicles, were successfully recovered,” he added.

Uba also said the fleeing militants attempted to slow the advancing troops by planting explosives along the Bula Zarma–Mangari area.

“In what the Army spokesperson described as "a desperate bid to delay the advancing troops," he said the fleeing terrorists planted three explosives along the Bula Zarma, Mangari general area, "in a calculated ambush attempt."”

He added: “The plot failed completely,” noting that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely detonated all three devices.

Following the clearance of the route, troops advanced several kilometres further, continuing search operations in the area. According to Uba, the militants abandoned their captives, vehicles, and objectives and scattered “in complete disarray.”

No casualties were recorded among Nigerian forces during the operation, he said.

The rescued civilians were later provided with immediate welfare support and escorted to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.

By Sabina Mammadli