Military rescues 360 abductees in major operation around Mandara Mountains
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 360 abductees from a stronghold of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist group in the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State.
The military described the operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions conducted in the North-East in recent times. The operation involved Special Forces and troops of Sector 1. The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, had been held captive under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
According to military authorities, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and detailed operational planning. Security agencies received credible intelligence on the location of the hostages and the existence of a support network sustaining the terrorist enclave.
The intelligence effort involved the integration of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations using unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols. The information enabled commanders to map the terrain, identify insurgent positions and minimise risks to the captives during the rescue operation.
Military sources said a major breakthrough was achieved through intelligence assets that successfully penetrated the terrorist network, providing information on the location of the abductees, insurgent commanders, security arrangements and planned relocation routes.
Acting on the intelligence, troops launched a coordinated multi-axis operation aimed at isolating the target area, dominating key terrain and preventing insurgents from reinforcing or escaping. Supported by real-time surveillance feeds, assault forces infiltrated the area under the cover of darkness, while blocking units secured likely escape routes.
The operation achieved tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before they could mount an organised resistance. Several insurgents reportedly fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered to the advancing troops.
The abductees were subsequently secured, medically screened and evacuated from the area. However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion caused by the difficult terrain and the harsh conditions they endured during their prolonged captivity.
