Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, operating under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, have rescued a woman and her two children during a perimeter clearance patrol around Amuda Bridge in Borno State. The operation took place at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Rescue Details and Victims Identified
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported on Monday, August 17, that the rescued woman has been identified as 25-year-old Rukaya Mohammed. She was rescued alongside her two children: six-year-old Hauwa Mustapha and four-year-old Fati Mustapha. The patrol was conducted by troops of the battalion, who intercepted the victims during their routine clearance operation.
Abduction and Forced Marriage
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Rukaya was abducted in 2017 from Vartalaka. She was subsequently forced into a child marriage in Chinene, where she lived with her husband in the Wunje community. The details of her ordeal emerged during the initial questioning after her rescue.
Escape Opportunity Amid Terrorist Infighting
Rukaya reportedly told troops that disagreements among the terrorists created an opportunity for their escape. A number of the fighters had abandoned the camp, which allowed her and her children to flee. The exact circumstances of their escape were not further detailed in the report.
Handover and Next Steps
The rescued woman and her children have since been handed over to officials for necessary action. The military operation continues as part of ongoing efforts to secure the region and rescue other victims of abduction and forced marriage.
