Troops of Operation Hadin Kai under the Joint Task Force North-East have successfully foiled an Improvised Explosive Device ambush and rescued 92 abducted victims from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura detected suspicious terrorist activity through surveillance systems at about 11:22 a.m.

The surveillance reportedly showed insurgents forcefully moving civilians and vehicles away from the main road into nearby bushes.

Following the discovery, a Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed while reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison joined the rescue mission.

“Troops launched a coordinated pursuit operation towards the Mangari–Dora axis, engaged the terrorists and forced them to abandon their captives before fleeing in disarray.

“All 92 abducted victims, made up of 52 men, 33 women and seven children, were rescued successfully alongside eight recovered vehicles,” Uba stated.

In an effort to delay the advancing troops, the fleeing terrorists allegedly planted three Improvised Explosive Devices along the Bula Zarma–Mangari route in what the military described as a failed ambush attempt.

However, the military’s Explosive Ordnance team safely detected and detonated all three devices, allowing troops to continue their operation without disruption.

Troops reportedly advanced about five kilometres beyond Mangari and carried out additional search operations, but the terrorists had already escaped after abandoning the victims, vehicles and their mission.

Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded during the operation.The rescued victims were later assembled, given immediate welfare assistance and escorted safely to Damaturu for onward movement.

According to Uba, the successful mission demonstrated the operational strength, surveillance capability and combat readiness of Operation Hadin Kai.

He added that the operation sends a clear warning that any attempt by terrorists to abduct or attack civilians in the North-East would continue to face swift military response.