Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and former Senate Leader Ali Ndume have praised the Nigerian military for rescuing 360 abducted residents of the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area from insurgent captivity. The rescue operation was conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
Commendation for Military Efforts
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described the operation as a remarkable display of courage, professionalism, and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations against insurgency in the North-East.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, for their roles in the successful mission. He also credited Governor Zulum for his commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state.
Details of the Rescue Operation
Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed that troops, including Special Forces and personnel of Sector 1, stormed a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno. The operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and meticulous planning, leading to the safe recovery of men, women, and children abducted from several communities, particularly in the Ngoshe axis.
Sani noted that the rescued victims had endured harsh conditions while in captivity. He added that six of the abducted civilians had been rescued last month around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava communities.
Zulum's Remarks
Zulum said the mission, which led to the safe recovery of hundreds of men, women, and children held captive by terrorists, has renewed hope among affected communities and reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, Nigerian military, and Borno State Government to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace in the region.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation. Their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens,” Zulum stated.
“The rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists,” he added.
The governor also commended local communities for their support and cooperation, which contributed to the success of the operation, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies through logistics assistance.
Other Operations Across Plateau and Kaduna
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued victims in separate operations across Plateau and Kaduna states. In a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, the military said troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5, 2026.
Troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned on the road and immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes. The operation led to the successful rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
