Troops Rescue 86 Kidnap Victims, Destroy Boko Haram Camp in Borno

Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen

In a decisive operation against insurgency in Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded a major victory, rescuing 86 kidnapped victims and destroying multiple terrorist hideouts.

The operation, conducted on November 9, 2025, by 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 OPHK, followed intelligence reports that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were abducting civilians and seizing vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.

According to a statement released by Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), troops swiftly responded and intercepted the terrorists at Dutse Kura. The soldiers engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun duel, pursued them toward Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter near one of their camps, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.

A search of the area uncovered 11 makeshift terrorist structures, which were subsequently destroyed. The operation led to the successful rescue of 86 civilians, including men, women, and children, who had been held captive by the insurgents.

Recovered items from the camp included one AK-47 rifle, five magazines loaded with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles.

In a related development, troops deployed at Mangada intercepted and arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria. The suspects were caught with a significant cache of supplies, including two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol, four gallons of engine oil, two new gun truck tyres, medical consumables, and large quantities of food items.

The military confirmed that no casualties were recorded among the troops during the coordinated operations.

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their “gallantry and professionalism,” urging them to sustain the momentum of operations and continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement and influence across the North East theatre.

The latest success underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to dismantle the remaining cells of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, ensuring the safety of communities and restoring peace to the troubled region.