Troops Rescue 47 from ISWAP Captivity in Lake Chad
By Auwal Umar
Troops of the North-East Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 47 abducted civilians, predominantly women and children, from an ISWAP hideout in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims, who had endured months in captivity, are from the communities of Damasak, Gashigar and Bagsa along the shores of Lake Chad.
The rescue was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, who described the operation as another significant humanitarian success in the military’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign across the North-East.
According to him, the civilians regained their freedom on 20 June 2026 following sustained military operations targeting ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region,” Uba said.
He explained that coordinated ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in disarray, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape after enduring prolonged hardship.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” he added.
Military authorities stated that the rescued civilians are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support at a secure location. Relevant agencies have also been mobilised to facilitate their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into their communities.
The rescue of the 47 abductees highlights the military’s commitment not only to degrading terrorist networks but also to protecting and recovering civilians affected by insurgent violence.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its resolve to sustain pressure.
