Troops from the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled a mass kidnapping attempt by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, rescuing over 150 civilians.
Spokesperson Sani Uba confirmed that the victims, including men, women, and children, were about to be forced into 17 vehicles when troops intervened. All rescued individuals were safely transported to Buratai before being reunited with their families.
The incident occurred on March 30 along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Biu Local Government Area, when troops escorting civilians came under attack. Surveillance and rapid response teams quickly identified insurgents attempting the abduction and mounted a swift counter-operation.
“The coordinated response of our Quick Reaction Force forced the terrorists to abandon all abducted civilians and vehicles, effectively preventing a mass kidnapping,” Uba said.
During the operation, five soldiers sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment, while troops also encountered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma–Mangari route.
Borno State, the epicenter of the insurgency since Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising, has seen a sharp increase in attacks over the past year. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) shows 401 military confrontations, 104 bombings, and 141 attacks on civilians in 2025—the highest since 2020.
Analysts note that ISWAP has intensified assaults on military bases, with multiple coordinated attacks reported recently, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
The military’s decisive action in Borno serves as a reminder of both the persistent threat posed by insurgents and the critical role of rapid response operations in safeguarding civilians.
