By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Army has rescued 86 kidnapped victims and destroyed a Boko Haram and ISWAP camp in Borno State, North-East Nigeria.
The operation, carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai, took place along the Buratai–Kamuya axis, an area that has experienced several insurgent attacks in the past. Troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
Those rescued included men, women, and children who had been held in captivity for varying periods. They were taken to a secure military location for medical care and debriefing before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance.
Military officials said 29 suspected logistics suppliers were also arrested during the operation. The suspects are believed to have been providing food, fuel, and other materials to the insurgents. Items recovered included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition belts, motorcycles, tricycles, vehicles, more than 1,000 litres of petrol in jerry cans, and large quantities of food and household items.
The operation followed intelligence reports that detected the movement of armed men along the Buratai–Kamuya route. Troops responded quickly, intercepted the terrorists, and rescued the victims. The Army confirmed that no soldiers were injured in the mission.
The terrorist camp was destroyed to prevent it from being used again as a base for criminal activity. Military sources said the success of the operation shows improvements in coordination, response time, and intelligence gathering among the troops.
This development is seen as another step forward in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in the North-East. It also brings relief to communities in Borno State that have faced years of violence and abductions.
Analysts said continued cooperation between the military and local residents, along with consistent intelligence operations, will be important in maintaining security across the region.
The Nigerian Army said it will continue its operations to clear remaining terrorist hideouts and ensure the safety of people living in affected areas.
