Nigerian Troops Rescue Three Abducted Children After Two Months in Borno Terrorist Captivity
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued three abducted children who had been held captive by suspected terrorists for approximately two months in Borno State. The military operation, which also resulted in the neutralization of insurgents and the surrender of a terrorist suspect, was disclosed in an official statement released on February 21, 2026.
Coordinated Military Operations Yield Success
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media and Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed that troops sustained aggressive offensive and stabilization operations across the theater from February 20 to 21, 2026. These operations successfully thwarted a terrorist attack while rescuing kidnapped civilians in separate engagements.
During a major encounter, troops from Sector 1 made contact with suspected JAS/ISWAP terrorists around Sabsawa village in Borno State while on a fighting patrol. The military personnel responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. Subsequent exploitation of the area confirmed that five terrorists had been neutralized during the engagement.
Rescue of Abducted Children in Bama Local Government Area
In a parallel operation, troops of OPHK under Sector 1, deployed at Ngurosoye, rescued three abducted children during a perimeter patrol in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescued victims have been identified as Abba Abba (12 years old), Fatima Abba (8 years old), and Aisha Abba (6 years old).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye. Following their rescue, the children have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further necessary action and reunification with their families.
Terrorist Surrender and Continued Military Pressure
Meanwhile, in a related development, troops recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old terrorist suspect identified as Abubakar Abubakar at Geidam in Yobe State. The suspect is currently in military custody for profiling and further investigation as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Across other sectors of Operation HADIN KAI, troops maintained an aggressive posture and conducted offensive operations in collaboration with hybrid forces, vigilantes, and hunters to deny terrorists freedom of action in the region. All operations were reported to have been largely hitch-free, with ongoing exploitation and monitoring continuing across the theater of operations.
Military High Command Commends Troops
The military high command has commended the troops for their sustained morale and fighting efficiency during these operations. Authorities have assured that pressure on terrorist elements will be maintained until lasting peace and economic stability are achieved in the North East region of Nigeria.
These operations demonstrate the continued commitment of Nigerian security forces to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable civilians, particularly children who have become victims of abduction and violence in conflict-affected areas.
