The 47 abductees rescued from ISWAP enclave operation has been described as another major breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East, following the successful rescue of dozens of civilians held captive by insurgents in Borno State.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), announced that its troops rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, who had been held captive by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Musa, the rescue operation was carried out on June 20, 2026, during coordinated military offensives targeting terrorist hideouts within the Lake Chad region.
The military explained that the successful operation was made possible through sustained ground and air attacks that placed enormous pressure on ISWAP fighters and disrupted their activities across several locations.
Captain Musa stated that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had intensified offensive operations against terrorist enclaves, forcing insurgents to abandon strategic positions and flee from advancing security forces.
As military pressure mounted, the terrorists reportedly abandoned several captives who had been held for extended periods, allowing the victims to escape from captivity and move to safety.
The rescued civilians included women and children who had endured difficult conditions while under the control of the insurgent group.
Military authorities disclosed that the victims were immediately evacuated from the area and taken to a secure location where they are currently receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
According to the Theatre Command, healthcare professionals are conducting medical assessments and providing treatment where necessary, while relevant government agencies and humanitarian organisations are working to facilitate the victims’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The military noted that beyond eliminating terrorist threats, Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to protecting innocent civilians and securing the release of those unlawfully detained by insurgent groups operating in the North-East.
Security experts say the latest rescue highlights the growing effectiveness of coordinated military operations involving both ground troops and air assets in weakening terrorist networks within the Lake Chad Basin.
Over the past several months, Operation Hadin Kai has intensified efforts to dismantle ISWAP strongholds, disrupt supply routes and prevent insurgents from regrouping in remote areas of Borno State and neighbouring regions.
The North-East remains one of the most affected regions by insurgency, with thousands of residents displaced over the years due to attacks by terrorist groups.
However, military authorities insist that ongoing operations are steadily reducing the operational capacity of insurgents while creating opportunities for displaced communities to return to normal life.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its determination to sustain aggressive operations until all remaining terrorist networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the region.
Military officials also assured residents that troops would continue pursuing fleeing insurgents and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups operating within the Lake Chad area and other parts of the North-East.
The successful rescue of the 47 captives represents another significant humanitarian achievement in the military’s broader campaign against terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.
As security forces continue their operations, authorities expressed optimism that more civilians held by terrorist groups could regain their freedom through sustained military action and enhanced intelligence gathering.
