Troops from Operation Hadin Kai rescued 47 people, mostly women and children, from an Islamic State West Africa Province enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State.
The rescue mission was conducted on June 20.
Capt. Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the report in a statement made on Monday.
According to Goni, the victims were released as a result of ongoing military operations against terrorist hideouts in Lake Chad.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, on 20 June 2026,” the statement read.
He noted that intensified ground and air assaults on terrorist strongholds made the operation possible, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” he added.
According to the military, the rescued people are currently receiving medical care and other sorts of assistance at a secure facility.
Medical professionals are currently attending to the rescued persons at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” the statement said.
Goni mentioned that the rescue underscores the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and weakening 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 noted that the military would continue its operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist cells and restoring peace to the region.
“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks, and restore peace and normalcy across the Northeast region,” the statement concluded.
