TROOPS RESCUE 86 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, ARREST 29 TERROR SUSPECTS IN BORNO

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected terrorists’ logistics suppliers in Borno State.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the operations were carried out during coordinated clearance and counter-terrorism missions in several parts of the state.

According to reports, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, Sector 2 OPHK, rescued the victims during an encounter with terrorists near Dutsen Kura along the Damaturu–Buratai–Biu road. The victims — men, women, and children — were rescued after a fierce gun battle with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents.

During the operation, troops destroyed 11 makeshift structures used by the terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines loaded with 73 rounds of ammunition, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two tricycles used for logistics.

In a separate operation at Mangana agricultural hub in Biu Local Government Area, troops arrested 29 suspected terrorists’ logistics suppliers. The suspects were intercepted while transporting supplies to insurgents in Chilaria. Items recovered from them included two pickup vans, a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol in jerry cans, four gallons of engine oil, two new gun truck tyres, medical consumables, and large quantities of foodstuffs and provisions.

A military source said no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operations.

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating terrorist elements and dismantling their supply networks across the North-East.

Security analysts say the operation highlights the military’s increasing success in cutting off logistics channels and rescuing civilians from insurgent captivity.

The rescued victims are currently being profiled before being reunited with their families, while investigations into the activities of the arrested suspects are ongoing.