Troops foil Boko Haram mass abduction in Borno, rescue over 150 civilians
Army
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have thwarted a brazen Boko Haram/ISWAP attempt to abduct over 150 civilians, including men, women, and children, along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Borno State on Monday.
The incident unfolded around 2:50 p.m. on March 30, 2026, when troops escorting civilians at Dutse Kura in Sector 2 came under attack.
Surveillance quickly spotted insurgents using about 17 vehicles to herd the group into nearby bush.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK Headquarters, detailed the response in a statement: “In a swift and coordinated response, the Quick Response Force reinforced the location, repelled the attack and launched a pursuit towards the Mangari area, forcing the terrorists to abandon all abducted civilians and vehicles.”
Pursuing insurgents to the Mangari area, troops encountered an improvised explosive device on the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis.
Five personnel suffered severe injuries but were swiftly evacuated for medical care.
All rescued civilians were safely transported to Buratai for family reunification.
Uba praised the troops’ resolve, “The sacrifice of the gallant troops underscores the resolve of OPHK to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect vulnerable populations across the Theatre.”
He added that the operation showcases “the high level of vigilance, rapid response capability and effective presence posture of OPHK forces across the North East, particularly as the Easter period approaches.”
