Troops Rescue 86 Kidnapped Civilians in Borno, Foil Terrorist Ambush
BORNO STATE – In a significant operation, Nigerian Army troops have rescued 86 civilians who were abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Borno State.
The rescue mission was launched on November 9, 2025, after troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, part of Operation HADIN KAI, discovered that terrorists were kidnapping civilians and seizing vehicles.
According to a statement from the military, the troops engaged the terrorists, thwarting the initial attack. They then pursued the insurgents towards Mangari, overpowering them in a follow-up encounter near a terrorist camp, which forced the militants to flee.
A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of 11 makeshift terrorist structures and the rescue of the 86 victims, who included men, women, and children.
The operation also yielded significant recoveries, including one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 73 rounds of ammunition, four PKT ammunition belts, and several vehicles, including five civilian cars and five motorcycles. The terrorists’ camp was destroyed following clearance operations.
In a related development, troops deployed at Mangada arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers. The suspects were intercepted en route to Chilaria with two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with supplies, including 1,000 litres of petrol, medical consumables, new gun truck tyres, and large quantities of foodstuffs.
The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism. All operations were conducted successfully with no casualties reported among the Nigerian forces.
