Troops rescue 12 kidnap victims in daring pre-dawn raid on Boko Haram hideouts

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have executed a courageous pre-dawn mission, rescuing 12 victims—seven women and five children—held captive by Boko Haram in the harsh terrain of the Mandara Mountains.

The Nigerian Army in a statement on Tuesday titled, “TROOPS STORM TERROR HIDEOUTS, RESCUE 12 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN DARING PRE-DAWN OPERATION,” noted that the victims were abducted on November 14 along the Gwoza Limankara road but regained freedom on Sunday following a clearance mission under Operation DESERT SANITY IV and Diligent Search.

The statement partly reads, “Led by the vigilant 26 Task Force Brigade, with support from Hybrid Forces, Hunters and vigilantes, the troops launched a pre-dawn assault through the rugged mountain foothills toward Uvaha.”

According to NA, the use of overwhelming firepower forced the terrorists to flee, leaving the captives behind.

Among those rescued are Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children. The statement described how many were “visibly tired after trekking long distances” and received urgent medical care for injuries sustained during captivity.

The military high command praised the “bravery, speed, and professionalism of the troops” and credited the success to “the vital contributions of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely intelligence made the rescue possible.”

Troops continue active pursuit of ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further atrocities and protect civilians.