Troops free 47 hostages held by ISWAP in Borno state

Troops from Operation Hadin Kai have successfully freed 47 individuals, predominantly women and children, from an Islamic State West Africa Province enclave in Kangarwa, located within the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

n

The rescue operation took place on June 20, as disclosed in a statement released on Monday by Capt. Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai.

n

According to Goni, the victims were able to regain their freedom due to sustained military offensives against terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which have been a key focus of the operation.

n

The Joint Task Force's success is highlighted in the statement, which notes that over 47 persons, mostly women and children, were rescued from ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on June 20, 2026.

n

The operation was made possible by intensified ground and air assaults on terrorist strongholds, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions in confusion, as explained by Goni.

n

The successful rescue operation was the result of sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region, which ultimately led to the escape of the captives.

n

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention and other forms of support at a secure location, where medical professionals are providing care and necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies.

n

The military's commitment to protecting civilians and weakening terrorist networks operating in the North-East is underscored by the rescue, according to Goni, who noted that the operation highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to securing the release of innocent civilians.

n

The military will continue its operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist cells and restoring peace to the region, as stated by Goni, with the Theatre Command reaffirming its resolve to sustain offensive operations and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region.

n

Borno state has remained at the center of insurgency in Nigeria's North-East for over a decade, with thousands of civilians displaced, abducted, or killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

n

In recent months, the military has intensified operations across the Lake Chad basin and the Sambisa axis as part of efforts to weaken terrorist groups and secure communities affected by the conflict.