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Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for the successful rescue of 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known insurgent stronghold in southern Borno State.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor described the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against insurgency and a reflection of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations in the North-East.
OPERATION HADIN KAI EXECUTES UNPRECEDENTED INTELLIGENCE-LED RESCUE OPERATION, FREES 360 ABDUCTEES FROM JAS STRONGHOLD IN THE MANDARA MOUNTAINS
In one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North East Theatre in recent times, troops of the Joint Task… pic.twitter.com/czITHDCMEg
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) June 7, 2026
Zulum said the rescue of hundreds of men, women and children who had been held captive by terrorists had renewed hope among affected communities and demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian Government, the military and the Borno State Government to restoring peace and protecting citizens.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and the officers and soldiers involved in the operation, noting that their bravery, professionalism and sacrifice reflected the military’s dedication to protecting innocent lives.
The governor also acknowledged the support and cooperation of local communities, which he said contributed significantly to the mission’s success.
According to him, the rescue operation demonstrated the benefits of collaboration among security agencies and signalled the security forces’ determination to ensure that citizens are not left in the hands of insurgents.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 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.”
“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 stated.
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies by providing logistics and other forms of assistance to sustain ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
He also urged residents of Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area not to lose hope, assuring them that efforts were continuing to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren.
The governor called on residents across the state to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
The rescue operation comes months after terrorists attacked a military base in Ngoshe, where operational vehicles were destroyed, security personnel were dispersed, several people were killed, and others abducted.
