TROOPS FOIL TERRORIST ABDUCTION, RESCUE 31 CIVILIANS IN BORNO

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an attempted mass abduction by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, rescuing 31 civilians and recovering four vehicles during a military operation in Borno State.

The incident occurred at about 3:45 p.m. on 31 July 2026 along the Buratai to Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area.

According to the military, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, Dutsen Kura, detected the terrorists through real time surveillance systems after they intercepted four civilian vehicles and abducted their occupants.

Acting on the intelligence, the battalion immediately deployed a Quick Response Force, which pursued the terrorists towards the Mangari to Dora general area.

The troops caught up with the fleeing insurgents and engaged them in a firefight, forcing the terrorists to abandon the abducted civilians, the four vehicles, and several motorcycles before escaping into the surrounding bush.

All 31 abducted civilians were rescued unharmed, while the four civilian vehicles were recovered intact.

Following the rescue, troops dominated the area and carried out further exploitation operations to prevent the terrorists from regrouping. The military said no further contact was made with the fleeing insurgents during the operation.

The rescued civilians and their recovered vehicles were later escorted to Buratai, where the victims took possession of their vehicles and safely continued their journey.

Operation HADIN KAI said the operation demonstrates the value of intelligence driven operations in protecting civilians and disrupting terrorist activities. The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at eliminating terrorist threats and securing communities as well as major transportation routes across the North East.