In a major operational success in northeastern Nigeria, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), known as Operation HADIN KAI, have killed 16 terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped civilians in a series of coordinated offensives across Borno State, the military confirmed on Wednesday.
According to a statement released by the military, the offensive followed a failed late-night assault on the Forward Operating Base at Auno by fighters belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which troops decisively repelled with superior firepower.
The Joint Task Force said its soldiers later pursued retreating militants along various axes around the Gidan Kaji area of the Maiduguri-Damboa corridor, engaging and neutralising 16 insurgents during the operations.
In addition to eliminating the terrorists, military officials confirmed that 11 kidnapped victims were successfully freed from captivity across several locations within the theatre of operations. A military spokesperson described the achievement as “a clear demonstration of the troops’ commitment to protecting innocent civilians and degrading terrorist networks,” highlighting the ongoing dedication of security forces in the region.
The latest triumph comes amid sustained efforts by the Nigerian Army and allied security agencies to weaken insurgent groups that have long destabilised communities in Borno and the broader Northeast. Analysts say such operations are critical to restoring confidence among residents and improving safety along key transport and farming corridors.
The military also noted that suspected logistic suppliers linked to the insurgents were apprehended during the offensive, further disrupting the group’s operational capabilities.
While details of the rescued civilians’ identities and conditions have not yet been fully disclosed, the Joint Task Force assured that the freed hostages are being reunited with their families and receiving necessary care.
