Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued more than 150 civilians and thwarted a mass abduction attempt by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents during an operation in Nigeria’s North-East.
The military said the incident occurred on 30 March when soldiers deployed at Dutse Kura, under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North East), came under attack while escorting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya axis.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, surveillance assets detected insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, including men, women and children, using about 17 vehicles.
A Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed to reinforce the troops, leading to a coordinated counter-attack that repelled the attackers and forced them to retreat towards the Mangari area.
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Sustained pressure from the troops compelled the insurgents to abandon both the captives and their vehicles, effectively foiling the abduction attempt.
All rescued civilians were safely evacuated to Buratai, where they were reunited with their families.
However, during a follow-up pursuit along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis, troops encountered an improvised explosive device, leaving five personnel seriously injured and were promptly evacuated for specialised medical treatment.
The military said the operation demonstrated the resolve and sacrifice of troops in protecting civilians and denying insurgents freedom of action.
It added that security forces would maintain heightened vigilance in the region, particularly ahead of the Easter period.