Troops free 47 ISWAP captives in Borno rescue operation

Troops free 47 ISWAP captives in Borno rescue operation

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 people, mainly women and children, who were being held by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

The rescue took place on 20 June during military operations in Kangarwa, a community in Kukawa Local Government Area.

The development was announced on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

According to him, the success followed a series of coordinated operations targeting terrorist hideouts across the Lake Chad region.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026,” the statement read.

Goni explained that persistent military action on both land and air weakened the insurgents and forced them to abandon their positions.

“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.

“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.

The military said the rescued civilians have been moved to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance.

“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” the statement said.

The army noted that the operation demonstrates its determination to protect civilians while continuing efforts to dismantle terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” Goni stated.

He said military operations would continue until remaining terrorist cells are dismantled and stability is restored across the region.

“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” the statement concluded.

Borno remains one of the areas most affected by insurgency in Nigeria, with communities enduring years of attacks, abductions and displacement linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP activities. In recent months, security forces have intensified operations around the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa axis in a bid to weaken insurgent groups and improve security for affected communities.