Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from captivity in an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the military, and confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out on 20 June.
Capt. Goni said the victims regained freedom following sustained ground and air offensives against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons… on 20 June 2026,” the statement read.
He explained that the operation was made possible by intensified military pressure on ISWAP enclaves, which forced insurgents to abandon their positions.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” Capt. Goni said.
Medical care and humanitarian support
The military confirmed that the rescued victims, mostly women and children, are currently receiving medical attention at a secure facility.
“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies,” the statement added.
Officials said arrangements are ongoing for their safe reintegration into society.
Military reaffirms commitment
Capt. Goni said the rescue reflects the military’s ongoing commitment to protecting civilians and dismantling terrorist networks operating in the North-East.
“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” he stated.
He added that operations will continue across the Lake Chad basin and surrounding forests to eliminate remaining insurgent hideouts.
“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” he said.
Background
Borno State has remained the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade, with armed groups including Boko Haram and ISWAP responsible for mass abductions, killings, and displacement of civilians.
In recent months, the military has intensified coordinated land and air operations across the Lake Chad basin and Sambisa Forest axis in an effort to weaken insurgent capacity and restore stability to affected communities.
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