Troops Foil Boko Haram Abduction, Rescue 31 Civilians in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an attempted mass abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and rescued 31 civilians during a military operation along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation took place at about 3:45 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, when troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, Dutsen Kura, detected the movement of terrorists through real-time surveillance after the insurgents intercepted four civilian vehicles and abducted their occupants.

According to the military, a Quick Response Force was immediately deployed to pursue the terrorists as they fled towards the Mangari–Dora area.

The troops caught up with the insurgents and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, forcing the terrorists to abandon all 31 abducted civilians and the four vehicles before escaping into nearby bushes.

During the operation, the troops also recovered motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

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The military confirmed that all the rescued civilians were unharmed, while the four civilian vehicles were recovered intact.

Following the successful rescue, troops carried out follow-up exploitation and dominated the surrounding area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping. No further contact was recorded during the operation.

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

Operation HADIN KAI said the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in protecting civilians and disrupting terrorist activities across the North-East.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents while ensuring the safety of communities and major routes across the theatre of operations.