Troops Rescue 119 Kidnap Victims, Recover Eight Vehicles in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians abducted by suspected terrorists and recovered eight vehicles during an operation in Borno State.

The operation, conducted on Friday, November 6, 2026, involved troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, along the Dutsen Kura-Bulazarma-Kamuya road.

According to an operational report published by security and counter-insurgency sources, the troops were conducting surveillance when they spotted terrorists blocking the road and abducting travellers alongside their vehicles.

The discovery prompted the mobilisation of the battalion’s Special Forces Quick Reaction Force, supported by another quick reaction team from the 27 Task Force Brigade headquarters.

The troops reportedly advanced through the Mangari-Dora route, pursued the attackers and engaged them, forcing the terrorists to abandon the captives and vehicles before fleeing.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 119 civilians, comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children. Eight vehicles were also recovered.

The rescued civilians were subsequently reunited with their families, according to the report.

However, during the troops’ withdrawal from the area, an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered around the Bam-Buratai Junction-Bulazarma general area.

The military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team marked and secured the location to facilitate the safe handling and disposal of the device.

The operation highlights the role of surveillance and rapid-response teams in disrupting abductions and protecting travellers along vulnerable routes in Nigeria’s North-East.

Borno State remains a major theatre of military operations against insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have carried out attacks and abductions across the region.

The latest rescue adds to ongoing military efforts to protect civilians, secure major roads and prevent armed groups from abducting travellers.

The report did not provide details about arrests made during the operation or the number of terrorists killed or injured in the encounter.