Troops Free 47 Captives from ISWAP Stronghold in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued 47 people, predominantly women and children, from an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue operation was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri by the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to Goni, the successful operation followed sustained military offensives against ISWAP hideouts across the Lake Chad region. He explained that coordinated ground and air assaults mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to flee their positions, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape after enduring prolonged detention.

He described the development as another major humanitarian achievement for Operation Hadin Kai in its ongoing campaign against insurgent groups in the North-East.

He added that relentless pressure from military operations weakened the insurgents’ hold on the area, forcing them into disarray and enabling the victims to regain their freedom.

The rescued individuals have since been moved to a secure location, where they are receiving medical care and other immediate support. Arrangements are also underway to provide them with humanitarian assistance to help them recover from their ordeal.

Goni noted that the military is working closely with relevant government agencies and humanitarian organisations to ensure the victims undergo rehabilitation and are successfully reintegrated into their communities.

He said the latest rescue highlights the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to safeguarding civilians while maintaining sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.

The military spokesman further reaffirmed the determination of the Theatre Command to intensify offensive operations against ISWAP and other insurgent groups, with the goal of restoring lasting peace, security and normalcy across the North-East.

In recent months, Nigerian troops have stepped up military operations in the Lake Chad Basin and along the Sambisa Forest axis, resulting in the rescue of several abducted persons, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the elimination of numerous insurgents.

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