Chinedu Obieze
Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully foiled a planned mass abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents, rescuing more than 150 civilians in a swift operation ahead of the Easter period.
The incident occurred on Monday along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Borno State, where troops escorting civilians came under attack. During the encounter, surveillance operations revealed that the insurgents had already begun moving a large number of civilians—men, women, and children—in about 17 vehicles toward the bush.
In response, reinforcements were immediately deployed, forcing the attackers to abandon both the victims and vehicles as troops intensified pursuit toward nearby hideouts. All rescued civilians were safely evacuated to Buratai for onward reunification with their families.
However, the operation recorded casualties, as an improvised explosive device detonated along the Bula Zarma–Mangari route, leaving five soldiers seriously injured. They have since been evacuated for medical treatment.
Military authorities described the mission as a major success in preventing what could have been a large-scale abduction, reaffirming their commitment to protecting civilians and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups, especially during the Easter season.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.