By Obasola Olatunde
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 86 abducted victims and arrested 29 logistics suppliers linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, following coordinated clearance operations along the Buratai Kamuya axis of the North East.
According to a statement on Monday by Sani Uba, the media information officer for OPHK, the rescue was achieved after soldiers from the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 responded to distress reports of abductions in the area and engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun duel.
The encounter, which took place at Dutse Kura, saw troops overpowering the terrorists after pursuing them to Mangari, leading to the liberation of the victims men, women, and children and the destruction of 11 makeshift terrorist structures.
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles.
“The troops thwarted the attack, pursued the terrorists, and overpowered them in a follow up encounter near their camp, forcing them to flee in disarray,” Uba said.
In a related operation, soldiers stationed at Mangada intercepted 29 terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria, seizing two pickup vans, a tricycle, and about 1,000 litres of petrol, alongside engine oil, truck tyres, medical consumables, foodstuffs, and provisions.
The military confirmed no casualties on its side during the operations and commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops.
“The Military High Command commends the troops’ bravery and urges them to sustain the momentum to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East,” the statement added.
The latest offensive underscores the military’s renewed drive to dismantle insurgent logistics networks and improve security for rural communities across Borno and neighbouring states.