Troops under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have freed 47 captives, including women and children, from an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) hideout in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri by the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
Goni explained that the rescue followed sustained military offensives targeting ISWAP positions across the Lake Chad axis.
According to him, coordinated ground and air operations mounted by troops created intense pressure on the insurgents, forcing them to abandon their locations and allowing the hostages to escape from captivity.
He said the operation marked another humanitarian success for the Joint Task Force, noting that the sustained military push disrupted terrorist activities in the region and led to the liberation of those held in Kangarwa.
The statement added that the rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care at a secured facility, while arrangements are underway to provide them with humanitarian support.
He further stated that relevant agencies are working alongside the military to ensure proper rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims into society.
Goni stressed that the latest development reflects the ongoing commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to protecting civilians while weakening terrorist structures in the North-East.
He reaffirmed that the Theatre Command would continue intensified operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP networks and restoring stability across the region.
In recent months, military operations in the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest axis have led to the rescue of abducted persons, recovery of arms, and the neutralisation of several insurgents as the campaign against terrorism continues.