The ISWAP captives rescue effort recorded a major breakthrough as troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, rescued 47 people, mostly women and children, from an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescue followed sustained military operations targeting terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad region.
Operation Hadin Kai has intensified military pressure on insurgent groups operating across the North-East, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest axis.
According to a statement issued in Maiduguri by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the latest rescue was made possible through coordinated ground and air offensives against ISWAP strongholds.
Captain Goni said the continuous attacks disrupted terrorist activities and forced insurgents to abandon their positions.
He stated: “the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.”
He explained that the successful ISWAP captives rescue operation resulted from sustained military pressure that created an opportunity for the victims to flee captivity.
According to him: “The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.”
Goni added that the combined ground and air assaults left the terrorists disoriented and unable to maintain control of the captives.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity.”
Military authorities disclosed that the rescued individuals are receiving medical care at a secure location. The ISWAP captives rescue beneficiaries are also expected to receive humanitarian assistance through collaboration between the military and relevant government agencies. Authorities said rehabilitation and reintegration plans are already being arranged to help the victims return to normal life.
The military said the operation highlights its commitment to protecting civilians while sustaining efforts to weaken terrorist networks across the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its determination to intensify offensive operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP cells and restoring peace in affected communities. Recent military campaigns across the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest have resulted in the rescue of captives, recovery of weapons and the neutralisation of several insurgents.
The latest ISWAP captives rescue marks another significant milestone in ongoing counterterrorism operations in Borno State. Military authorities maintain that sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves will continue as efforts intensify to secure communities and restore lasting stability across the North-East.
