By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with Special Operations Forces, have rescued about 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who were abducted by terrorists from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources said the rescue followed a coordinated operation conducted on June 6 across several locations around the Mandara Mountains.

According to the sources, Special Operations Forces carried out preliminary missions that disrupted activities within terrorist camps, creating the conditions for troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade to successfully extract the captives.

The rescued civilians were among residents abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.

Earlier updates from Operation Hadin Kai had indicated that some of the captives were rescued during previous operations in the Mandara Mountains, an area believed to serve as a hideout for insurgents.

The latest operation, however, recorded a tragic setback, as two infants reportedly died during the rescue effort due to the difficult terrain encountered while evacuating victims to safety.

A military source said all rescued persons underwent immediate medical screening upon arrival.

“Those requiring urgent medical attention were stabilised by brigade medical personnel and admitted to the General Hospital, Gwoza, for treatment,” the source said.

The victims were also provided with food, water and other relief materials before being moved to a secure holding facility pending their handover to relevant authorities and reunification with their families.

Security sources described the operation as a major humanitarian and operational achievement in ongoing efforts to rescue civilians and degrade terrorist networks operating in remote parts of the North-East.

They added that while the security situation in the area remains relatively calm, troops continue to maintain vigilance and operational readiness.