Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a suspected roadblock mounted by terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army said the successful operation was carried out after troops detected suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), widely known as Boko Haram, attempting to block the highway and trap motorists.
The military disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday. The statement was signed by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the Army, the operation took place on Wednesday, June 24, following surveillance by troops stationed at Dutse Kura.
The statement explained that soldiers monitoring the area through surveillance cameras noticed suspected terrorists setting up a roadblock on the busy highway, prompting an immediate military response.
“The encounter took place when troops deployed at Dutse Kura sighted terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras,” the statement said.
“A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilized to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion.”
The military said the swift response prevented the terrorists from carrying out further attacks on road users and enabled troops to rescue dozens of civilians who had been held by the insurgents.
According to the statement, 53 innocent civilians were rescued during the operation.
The troops also recovered eight vehicles that had reportedly been seized by the terrorists during the attempted roadblock.
Military authorities said the operation did not end after the initial rescue.
Soldiers continued the pursuit by clearing the terrorists’ escape routes and conducting further searches in surrounding communities and bush paths to ensure the area was safe.
Although no additional contact was made with the fleeing insurgents, troops maintained control of the area to prevent another attack.
The statement added that all rescued civilians, the recovered vehicles and other property were safely escorted to Buratai town.
Military officials also disclosed that the rescued victims are undergoing documentation and medical examinations before they are reunited with their families or handed over to relevant authorities.
“All rescued persons, recovered vehicles and properties were safely moved to Buratai town. The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations,” the Army stated.
The military praised the professionalism and courage displayed by the troops during the operation, describing their quick response as critical to the success of the rescue mission.
It also appealed to residents across the North-East to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious activities within their communities.
According to the Army, intelligence from local residents remains one of the most effective tools in tracking terrorists and preventing attacks.
Operation HADIN KAI is the military operation responsible for combating insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East. It involves personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies working together to defeat Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters operating across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
For more than 15 years, Borno State has remained the centre of Nigeria’s insurgency.
The conflict began in 2009 when Boko Haram launched an armed campaign against the Nigerian state, targeting security formations, schools, places of worship and civilian communities.
Over the years, the insurgency has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, displaced millions of residents and destroyed homes, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure across the North-East.
Although the military has recovered many communities previously occupied by insurgents, attacks on villages, highways and military positions continue in some remote parts of Borno State.
Terrorist groups have increasingly relied on ambushes, roadside attacks and temporary roadblocks to abduct travellers, steal vehicles and disrupt movement in rural communities.
In recent months, however, Operation HADIN KAI has intensified both ground and air operations against terrorist hideouts across the Lake Chad region and the Sambisa Forest.
The latest rescue operation adds to a growing list of successes recorded by the military in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, troops of Operation HADIN KAI reportedly killed 27 terrorists during separate operations in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas of Borno State, while recovering weapons and other equipment.
Military authorities have maintained that sustained offensive operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation with local communities are weakening the operational capacity of terrorist groups in the region.
They also insist that efforts will continue until insurgent groups are completely defeated and displaced communities can safely return to their homes.
The Army reassured residents that troops remain committed to protecting lives and property across the North-East.