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| Rescued victims |
BORNO STATE – Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled a large-scale abduction attempt by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, rescuing 157 civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya road.
The dramatic rescue occurred on Monday, March 30, 2026, at approximately 2:50 p.m., after a fierce engagement between the military and insurgents.
The Ambush and Rescue
Soldiers of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, while on escort duty at "Echo 1" in Dutse Kura, came under heavy fire. During the battle, troops discovered that the terrorists had intercepted a convoy of 17 vehicles and were forcibly driving 157 men, women, and children into the bush.
- The Counter-Attack: The Special Forces immediately engaged the terrorists, repelling the initial assault and pursuing them toward the Mangari axis.
- The Result: Under intense pressure, the insurgents were forced to abandon all 17 vehicles and every single captive before fleeing deeper into the wilderness.
The Cost of Victory
During the pursuit, a Quick Response Force (QRF) team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the Bula Zarma–Mangari area.
- Casualties: One soldier sustained severe injuries from the blast and has been evacuated to Biu for emergency medical treatment.
- Victim Status: All 157 rescued civilians were moved to Buratai town for safety and are currently being reunified with their families.
Current Situation
Military sources describe the security situation in the general area as "unpredictable," but emphasize that troops continue to dominate the route to ensure the safety of commuters.
