By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled a terrorist abduction attempt and rescued 31 civilians during an operation along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, the incident occurred 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 as they intercepted four civilian vehicles and abducted their occupants.
Acting swiftly, the Battalion deployed a Quick Response Force in pursuit of the terrorists towards the Mangari–Dora general area. Troops made contact and engaged the insurgents with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the abducted civilians and four civilian vehicles before fleeing into the bush. Motorcycles abandoned by the terrorists were also recovered.
All 31 abducted civilians were rescued unharmed and the four vehicles were recovered intact. The rescued civilians and vehicles were later escorted to Buratai, where the victims regained possession of their vehicles and continued their journey safely.
The Joint Task Force said the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in protecting civilians and frustrating terrorist activities. It reaffirmed its resolve to sustain aggressive operations to eliminate terrorist remnants and secure communities and major lines of communication across the North East Theatre.
