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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 31 civilians after foiling an abduction by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military said the operation took place at about 3:45 p.m. on Friday, July 31, after troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, Dutsen Kura, detected insurgents intercepting four civilian vehicles and abducting their occupants.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, in a statement issued on Friday, said the troops acted on intelligence gathered through real-time surveillance.
“At about 3:45 p.m on 31 July 2026, troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion, Dutsen Kura, detected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists through real-time surveillance systems as they intercepted four civilian vehicles and abducted their occupants,” Goni said.
He said the battalion immediately deployed a Quick Response Force to pursue the fleeing insurgents toward the Mangari-Dora general area.
The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to abandon the abducted civilians and the vehicles before retreating into nearby bushes.
The military added that motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing insurgents were recovered during the operation.
“All 31 abducted civilians were rescued unharmed, while the four civilian vehicles were recovered intact.”
Following the rescue, troops carried out follow-up operations in the area to prevent the insurgents from regrouping.
The military said the rescued victims and recovered vehicles were escorted to Buratai, where the civilians reclaimed their vehicles before continuing their journeys.
Goni said the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in protecting civilians and disrupting terrorist activities in the North East.
He added that the Joint Task Force remained committed to sustaining offensive operations against insurgents across the theatre.
Operation Hadin Kai has continued counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria’s North East, where the military has intensified efforts to secure highways and communities frequently targeted by insurgents.
Many parts of Borno State continue to witness ambushes, kidnappings and attacks in communities and along major roads.
OPERATION HADIN KAI: TROOPS FOIL TERRORIST ABDUCTION ATTEMPT, RESCUE 31 CIVILIANS IN BORNO
In a display of vigilance and bravery, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has yet again thwarted a terrorist abduction attempt and rescued 31 civilians during a successful military… pic.twitter.com/KT37sCxNMZ
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 31, 2026
