Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 people, mostly women and children, from captivity in an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, in a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
The rescue operation was carried out on June 20 following sustained military offensives against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region, a key area where insurgent groups have maintained camps and carried out attacks over the years.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the military, the rescued victims regained their freedom after troops intensified both ground and air operations against ISWAP positions, forcing the terrorists to abandon their hideouts.
“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 said.
Military authorities explained that the rescue was part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating around the Lake Chad Basin and restoring peace to communities affected by years of insurgency.
Captain Goni stated that relentless military pressure played a major role in securing the freedom of the captives.
“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 did not disclose how long the victims had been held by the terrorists, but sources familiar with insurgency activities in the region said many women and children abducted during attacks on villages are often forced into captivity for months or even years.
Some victims are reportedly used for domestic labour, while others are subjected to harsh conditions in remote camps hidden within difficult terrain around Lake Chad and other forested areas.
Following their rescue, the victims were moved to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance.
According to the military, health professionals are currently attending to the rescued persons to assess their physical and psychological condition after their ordeal.
“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” the statement added.
Reintegration programmes have become an important part of efforts to support survivors of insurgency. Government agencies, humanitarian organisations and community groups often work together to provide medical treatment, counselling, education and vocational support to victims returning from captivity.
The military described the latest rescue as another indication of its commitment not only to defeating terrorists but also to protecting civilians caught in the conflict.
“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” Goni stated.
He added that Operation Hadin Kai remains determined to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East until peace is fully restored.
“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” the statement concluded.
Borno State has remained the centre of insurgency in Nigeria for more than a decade. Since the Boko Haram uprising began in 2009, thousands of people have lost their lives, while millions have been displaced from their homes across Borno and neighbouring states.
The conflict later evolved with the emergence of ISWAP, a faction that broke away from Boko Haram and established a strong presence in parts of the Lake Chad region.
Both groups have been responsible for attacks on military formations, government facilities, villages and major roads. They have also carried out kidnappings, bombings and raids on communities, leaving many residents displaced.
Over the years, Nigerian troops, supported by air operations and regional security cooperation, have succeeded in reclaiming many territories previously occupied by insurgents. Several terrorist commanders have also been neutralised, while large numbers of fighters have surrendered.
However, security challenges remain in some remote areas, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin and sections of the Sambisa forest, where insurgents continue to launch occasional attacks and maintain hidden camps.
In recent months, the military has stepped up operations in these areas as part of renewed efforts to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist groups and improve security for local communities.
The intensified campaign has led to the destruction of several terrorist hideouts, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the rescue of civilians held in captivity.
Residents and community leaders in affected areas have welcomed the continued military operations, expressing hope that the sustained offensive will bring lasting peace and allow displaced families to return safely to their homes.
For the rescued women and children, their freedom marks the end of a difficult chapter and offers a chance to rebuild their lives after enduring the hardships of captivity.