Military Rescues 47 ISWAP Captives in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from captivity in an enclave controlled by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue operation was carried out on June 20 following sustained military offensives against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

According to Goni, the successful operation represents another major humanitarian achievement by troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations across the North-East.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, 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,” he stated.

He explained that the victims regained their freedom as a result of relentless military pressure mounted on terrorist camps and hideouts in the Lake Chad basin.

According to him, coordinated ground and air offensives forced the insurgents to abandon their positions, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape from prolonged detention.

“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by Operation Hadin Kai 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,” Goni added.

The military disclosed that the rescued persons have been moved to a secure location, where they are currently receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance.

Authorities said relevant agencies are working together to provide necessary support and facilitate the eventual reintegration of the victims into their communities.

Goni noted that the operation highlights the commitment of the military not only to neutralising terrorist threats but also to protecting civilians affected by insurgency.

He reiterated the resolve of Operation Hadin Kai to sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist networks operating across the North-East.

Borno State has remained the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria for more than a decade, with thousands of residents displaced, abducted or killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

In recent months, military operations have intensified across the Lake Chad basin and Sambisa axis to weaken terrorist groups and restore peace to affected communities.