The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of 360 abductees from a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist enclave located deep within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, carried out under Operation Hadin Kai, involved Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 and was described as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions in recent times in the North-East theatre.
Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
According to him, the rescued victims—comprising men, women, and children—were abducted from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis of Gwoza LGA, and had been held in harsh conditions within the insurgents’ mountainous stronghold.
Sani said the rescue followed weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning involving Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and aerial surveillance.
He explained that troops established precise locations of the hostages through sustained intelligence efforts, which enabled a carefully planned multi-axis assault on the enclave.
“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted,” the statement said.
During the operation, several insurgents reportedly fled into surrounding mountains while others surrendered as troops took control of the area and secured the captives.
The rescued abductees were immediately medically screened and evacuated to safer locations for treatment and humanitarian support.
However, the Army confirmed that two infants died from exhaustion due to the difficult mountainous terrain and the harsh conditions endured during prolonged captivity.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their professionalism and described the operation as a major success against terrorist networks in the region.
It added that follow-up clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to dismantle remaining insurgent cells and prevent further attacks on civilian communities.
