From Uthman Abubakar Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command have rescued the 360 persons abducted last March 3 by Boko Haram from Ngoshe community, Gwoza LGA, Borno State.
They were rescued Saturday, June 6 from the terrorists enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains area of Gwoza in Southern Borno State in an operation, which was the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning, according to the Theater Command’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani.
“The operation was initiated following the receipt of credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources indicating the precise location of the hostages and the existence of an elaborate insurgent support network sustaining the enclave,” Sani said in a statement.
“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain, and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal.
“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted.
“Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.
“The hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the objective area. Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity.
“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group,” the military spokesman narrated in the statement.
Governor Zulum, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism, and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
The governor noted that the mission, which led to the safe recovery of hundreds of men, women, and children held captive by terrorists, has renewed hope among affected communities and reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government, Nigerian military, and Borno State government to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace in the region.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation. Their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens,” Zulum stated.
“The rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists,” he added.
The governor also commended members of local communities for their support, understanding, and cooperation which have contributed to the success of the operation.
He reaffirmed Borno State Government’s commitment to continue supporting the military and other security agencies through logistics to sustain their momentum in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Governor Zulum further urged residents of Mussa, in Askira Uba local government, to continue to keep hope
alive as the government is committed to securing the release of the school children.
He urged people of the state to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and continue providing credible information to assist ongoing operations aimed at eliminating criminal activities across the state. ENDS
