Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued six women and children who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in the Amuda-Gava axis of Gwoza Local Council Area, Borno State. The victims were among 416 residents kidnapped during an attack on the Ngoshe border community with Cameroon on March 3, 2026, and had been held captive for two months in the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest.
Rescue Operation Details
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, stated on Sunday in Maiduguri that the rescue followed sustained offensive operations and coordinated actions, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains. He explained that troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted and rescued the six individuals around Amuda, a deserted community between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist transit activities.
Identities of Rescued Victims
The rescued victims were identified as Mrs. Zainab Idris, 18; Fatima Abubakar, 17; Maimuna Abdulrashid, 24; Muhammad Idris, a minor; Sadiq Abdullahi, 7; and Fatima Abdulrashid, 5. Preliminary debriefings indicated they were among those abducted from Ngoshe and held in a terrorist enclave in Gava before escaping.
Engagement with Terrorists
During the rescue, troops came under sporadic enemy fire as fleeing terrorists attempted to pursue the escapees. The troops responded decisively, engaging in a brief exchange of fire that forced the terrorists to withdraw into the Mandara Mountains extending to Madagali Local Council in Adamawa State.
Operational Pressure on Terrorists
Lieutenant Colonel Uba noted that the successful rescue is linked to intensified operational pressure on terrorist elements, which has significantly degraded their cohesion and heightened internal disarray. Intelligence indicates that terrorists are increasingly desperate and paranoid following sustained losses and the escape of captives, including a 16-year-old girl who had been forcefully married to one of their commanders.
Post-Rescue Care and Reunification
After the rescue, the victims received first aid and medical checks at a military facility before being formally handed over to community authorities. At about 2:00 p.m. on the same day, they were successfully reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by community members.
Military Commitment
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassured the public of their unwavering commitment to securing all communities, rescuing abducted persons, and eliminating terrorist elements across the North East region. Troops' morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue with renewed vigour. The public is encouraged to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing military operations for the security, peace, and economic interest of the North East. The Military High Command commended the troops for their impressive battle performance, urging them to sustain aggressive operations to dominate the battle space.
