Video: Troops dismantle ISWAP roadblock in Borno, rescue 53 civilians, recover vehicles

Abdullateef Fowewe

Sector 2 troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion operating under Operation HADIN KAI dismantled a JAS/ISWAP roadblock on the Buratai–Kamuya highway in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, rescuing 53 civilians and recovering eight vehicles during an operation on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, in a statement shared on Friday said troops on duty at Dutse Kura “sighted terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras,” prompting a Quick Reaction Force to mobilise.

The QRF “pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion.”

During the operation, troops “successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians and also recovered 8 vehicles seized by the terrorists,” Captain Goni added. Troops then cleared the insurgents’ withdrawal route, dominated the area and conducted searches; no further contact was made.

All rescued individuals and recovered property were moved to Buratai town and are undergoing documentation and medical evaluations.

The Theatre Command commended “the professionalism and swift response of the troops” and urged residents in the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.

The command said the general security situation in the area remains calm as forces maintain an aggressive posture.