Military thwarts Boko Haram raid, frees 92 abducted civilians in Borno region

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully executed a rescue operation, freeing 92 kidnapped victims from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Biu- Buratai–Kamuya -Damaturu road, a significant operation that underscores the task force's capabilities.

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The incident occurred in Biu local government area axis of Borno state on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at approximately 1122 hours, when troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion detected the terrorists using their surveillance system, prompting a swift response.

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The 135 Special Forces Battalion's Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, with reinforcement troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison activated to join the rescue, converging on the terrorists in a well-coordinated pursuit towards the Mangari-Dora general area.

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OPHK troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee in confusion, resulting in the successful recovery of all 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females, and 7 children, along with 8 vehicles.

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The fleeing terrorists attempted to delay the advancing troops by emplacing three IEDs along the Bula Zarma, Mangari general area, but the unit's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded with precision, successfully detonating all three devices and clearing the route.

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The operation resulted in zero personnel or equipment casualties for OPHK troops, who escorted the rescued civilians to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey, marking a significant success for the task force.

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The Theatre Command has noted a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging non-payment of allowances to troops and victimization of a soldier, which it categorically states is false and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and discredit the military command structure.

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According to the Theatre Command, all legitimate allowances due to troops under Operation HADIN KAI have been paid up to date as of May 2026, with no outstanding issues, including the Ration Cash Allowance, Operational Allowance, and Habit Allowance.

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The claim in the video concerns an additional incentive paid to troops providing security at a critical national asset in Tuba, which was initially paid by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) but discontinued when NNPC ceased exploration, with the Borno State Government taking over responsibility.

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The soldier who raised the concern was assured by Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, that he would liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure payment once funds were released, and the allegation that the soldier was intimidated or punished is entirely unfounded.

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Preliminary findings reveal that the video was not produced by the soldier but by a mischievous content creator, and the Theatre Command regards this act as unpatriotic and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Armed Forces.

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The dissemination of such maligning information constitutes a violation of the Nigerian Armed Forces' social media policy, and measures are in place to address any breaches in accordance with established regulations, with the Military High Command instituting robust mechanisms to ensure prompt payment of all legitimate entitlements.

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The welfare of troops remains a paramount priority, and all concerns are continually addressed through established and effective channels, with the Theatre Command urging media organizations and the public to refrain from disseminating unverified or misleading information.

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Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to its mandate to restore peace, security, and economic stability in the North-East region, consistently upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and accountability, as stated by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer.