Troops free 53 captives, reclaim eight stolen cars in Borno

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a suspected ISWAP/JAS roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

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The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Friday and signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

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According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Wednesday, June 24.

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“The encounter took place when troops deployed at Dutse Kura sighted terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras.

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“A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilized to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion.

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“During the operation, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians and also recovered 8 vehicles seized by the terrorists,” the statement read.

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It added that the troops cleared the terrorists’ withdrawal route, dominated the area and conducted further searches, although no additional contact was made.

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“All rescued persons, recovered vehicles and properties were safely moved to Buratai town. The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations,” the statement added.

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The military commended the troops for what it described as their professionalism and swift response during the operation.

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The command also urged residents within the theatre of operations to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with timely information on suspicious activities.

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Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency, which began in 2009 when Boko Haram launched its violent campaign against Western education and the Nigerian state.

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The state has experienced persistent insecurity, including attacks on civilians and military formations.

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This latest rescue adds to a series of recent successes for Operation Hadin Kai, including the killing of 27 terrorists in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas of Borno earlier this month.

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