Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State, rescuing more than 150 civilians during a coordinated military operation.
According to the spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, the rescued victims — including men, women, and children — were recovered safely and moved to Buratai for onward reunification with their families.
“All rescued civilians, estimated at over 150, were safely recovered and moved to Buratai for onward movement to reunite with their families,” Uba said in a statement issued Tuesday.
The military said the victims were on the verge of being forcefully taken away in approximately 17 vehicles when troops intercepted the terrorists.
The incident occurred on March 30 along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Biu Local Government Area, where troops escorting civilians came under attack from insurgents.
While engaging the attackers, military surveillance assets detected the terrorists attempting to move a large group of civilians into the bush.
“While decisively engaging the terrorists, surveillance assets identified the insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, comprising men, women, and children, in about 17 vehicles into the bush,” the statement said.
In response, the military deployed a Quick Reaction Force that reinforced the area, repelled the assault, and launched an immediate pursuit toward the Mangari axis.
The pressure from advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon both the civilians and the vehicles, effectively preventing what could have become one of the largest abduction attempts in recent months.
“The aggressive pressure exerted by troops forced the terrorists to abandon all abducted civilians and vehicles, effectively thwarting the mass kidnapping attempt,” Uba added.
However, the operation was not without casualties. Five soldiers sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment after troops encountered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma–Mangari route.
The incident comes amid renewed security concerns in Borno, long regarded as the epicentre of insurgency since Boko Haram’s violent uprising in 2009. Recent data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project indicates that insurgent activity in the state intensified significantly in 2025.
According to the report, Borno recorded 401 military confrontations, 104 bombings, and 141 attacks on civilians last year — the highest combined figures since 2020.
The report also noted that attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province have increased, particularly targeting military installations, with multiple coordinated assaults on army bases recorded in recent months.
