Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued a serving councillor from Biu Local Government Area of Borno State and a well-known Islamic cleric who were abducted by suspected terrorists.
The rescue followed a swift search-and-rescue operation by soldiers after the victims were kidnapped along the Buni Gari–Buratai road on Tuesday evening. The road links several communities in southern Borno and is often used by travellers moving between Biu, Buratai, and surrounding towns.
According to security sources, the councillor and the cleric were among seven civilians travelling on the route when armed men stopped their vehicle and forced them into the bush. The attackers were believed to be members of terrorist groups that have continued to operate in parts of Borno State despite years of military operations.
Early on Wednesday morning, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, working together with the 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a coordinated operation after receiving intelligence about the abduction. The CJTF, made up of local volunteers, played a key role by providing information about the terrain and possible hideouts used by the attackers.
During the operation, the troops discovered two of the kidnapped victims near Mangari village. The victims had reportedly been abandoned by the terrorists after they noticed the movement of security forces towards their location. Fearing confrontation with the troops, the attackers fled, leaving the two men behind.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam in Borno State. Both men are respected figures in their communities.
After locating them, the soldiers provided immediate assistance and escorted them out of the area. The troops were said to have pursued the fleeing terrorists for several kilometres in an attempt to rescue the remaining abductees. However, no direct contact was made, as the attackers had dispersed into the surrounding bush.
The rescued men were taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment. Security sources said they were weak and tired but in stable condition. After receiving medical attention, they were moved to Biu town, where they were reunited with their families amid relief and joy.
Speaking after the rescue, a security source said the operation showed the commitment of the military to protect civilians and respond quickly to distress calls. He added that efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining five abducted persons.
According to information provided by the rescued victims, those still being held include the immediate past Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, the current Vice Chairman, and three women. Their abduction has caused deep concern among residents and local leaders in Biu and neighbouring communities.
Biu Local Government Area is one of the major towns in southern Borno State. While the area has enjoyed relative calm compared to parts of northern and central Borno, cases of kidnapping and attacks along major roads have continued to worry residents. The Buni Gari–Buratai road, in particular, has recorded several security incidents in recent years.
Borno State has been at the centre of Nigeria’s insurgency for over a decade. The Boko Haram conflict, which began in 2009, has led to the loss of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. Although the Nigerian military has recorded significant successes against terrorist groups, remnants of these groups still carry out attacks, ambushes, and kidnappings, especially in rural areas and along highways.
Operation Hadin Kai is the military operation responsible for counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East. The operation involves the Army, Air Force, and other security agencies working together to weaken terrorist groups and restore peace to affected communities. In recent months, the military has intensified patrols, raids, and rescue missions in Borno and neighbouring states.
The Civilian Joint Task Force has also remained an important partner in the fight against terrorism. Formed by local youths at the height of the insurgency, the CJTF assists security agencies with intelligence, patrols, and community engagement. Their knowledge of local terrain and languages has often helped security forces respond quickly to threats.
Residents of Biu have expressed gratitude to the military for the rescue of the councillor and the cleric. Community members described the incident as frightening and said the abduction of local leaders showed that no one is completely safe from criminal and terrorist activities.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said, “We are happy that two of them have been rescued alive. But our hearts are still heavy because others are still in the bush. We pray that the soldiers will bring everyone back safely.”
Local leaders have also called for increased security along major roads in southern Borno. They urged the government to deploy more troops, improve surveillance, and ensure regular patrols to protect travellers and prevent future attacks.
In recent times, kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge across many parts of Nigeria. While the problem is more common in the North-West and North-Central regions, cases in the North-East are often linked to insurgent groups who use abduction to raise funds and spread fear.
For now, the focus remains on rescuing the five remaining abducted civilians. Military sources confirmed that troops are still combing the area and surrounding forests, using both ground forces and intelligence reports to track the kidnappers.
