Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted a mass abduction attempt by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents, rescuing 31 civilians along the strategic Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The successful operation, which unfolded on Friday, July 31, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., was executed by the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutsen Kura, following the detection of terrorist activity through high-tech, real-time surveillance systems.
According to an official statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, the insurgents had intercepted four civilian vehicles on the busy highway and were in the process of forcing the occupants and vehicles off the main transit corridor toward the remote Mangari–Dora general area. The terrorists intended to abduct the commuters and spirit them away to an unknown destination, a tactic that has become a hallmark of terrorist operations in the North-East region.
Upon receiving the tactical intelligence, the 135 Special Forces Battalion immediately deployed a heavily armed Quick Response Force (QRF) to the scene. The troops tracked the fleeing insurgents and made direct contact, engaging them with aggressive and targeted firepower. The military forces overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission. The insurgents fled into the surrounding bushland, leaving behind the 31 abducted civilians, the four captured vehicles, and several of their own operational motorcycles.
Following the intense firefight, troops thoroughly swept the surrounding terrain to ensure no lingering threats remained and to prevent any attempt by the insurgents to regroup. All 31 commuters were recovered without injuries, and the four vehicles were retrieved entirely intact. The rescued civilians and their vehicles were subsequently escorted under armed guard back to Buratai, where they regained full possession of their property and were cleared to safely resume their journeys along the highway.
The rescue operation is the latest in a series of successful military interventions along the Buratai–Kamuya axis, which has become a notorious hotspot for terrorist ambushes and mass abductions. In recent months, the road has witnessed several attacks, including a March 2026 incident in which troops rescued over 150 civilians, and a May 2026 operation that saw 92 kidnapped victims freed from terrorist captivity. The recurring attacks underscore the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the region, even as the military intensifies its counter-insurgency operations.
Speaking from Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni reaffirmed the military's unwavering commitment to maintaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to clear remnants of terrorist groups and safeguard major supply routes throughout the North-East theatre. “Operation HADIN KAI will continue intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling the remaining insurgent networks and securing major highways and supply routes across the North-East,” Goni stated.
The successful rescue operation demonstrates the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in countering terrorist activities and protecting vulnerable communities in the North-East. The use of advanced surveillance systems and rapid response capabilities has enabled troops to detect and neutralise threats before they can escalate into full-scale abductions or massacres. The operation also highlights the critical importance of real-time intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination in the fight against terrorism.
The latest rescue comes as the Nigerian military continues to make significant gains against terrorist groups across the country. In July 2026 alone, troops killed over 102 terrorists, arrested 345 suspects, and rescued 393 kidnapped victims during military operations conducted across various theatres. The sustained offensive has dealt a heavy blow to Boko Haram and ISWAP, degrading their operational capabilities and denying them freedom of action in many areas.
However, the insurgency remains far from defeated. Despite repeated military offensives, the insurgents have proven remarkably resilient, exploiting the region's vast and porous borders, as well as the complex web of local grievances that have fuelled the conflict. The attack on the Buratai–Kamuya road is a stark reminder that the battle against terrorism is far from over, and that sustained pressure, intelligence gathering, and community cooperation remain essential to achieving lasting peace.
The rescued civilians, who had been travelling along the highway, expressed relief and gratitude to the troops for their timely intervention. For many of them, the harrowing experience was a terrifying reminder of the dangers that lurk on the roads of the North-East, where the threat of abduction, ambush, and violence remains a daily reality. The military has urged commuters to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information about suspicious activities.
As the troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue their offensive operations, the focus remains on securing major highways and supply routes, dismantling terrorist networks, and protecting the lives and property of civilians. The rescue of the 31 civilians is a testament to the bravery, professionalism, and dedication of the Nigerian military, and a clear signal that the fight against terrorism will not relent until peace and security are fully restored to the North-East.
For the families of the rescued commuters, the operation brought an end to hours of agonising uncertainty. For the broader public, it is a reassuring sign that security forces are not only listening but acting decisively to protect the nation's citizens and keep its highways safe. As the military continues its manhunt for the fleeing insurgents, the message is clear: the long arm of the law, backed by the firepower and determination of the Nigerian Army, will eventually catch up with those who seek to spread terror and sow chaos.
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