By Babs Oyetoro
The Nigerian military has recorded a breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency and rescue operations with the recovery of 360 abductees from a notorious terrorist enclave in Borno State.
This came as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intensified aerial surveillance to secure the release of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State.
The rescue operation in Borno was described by military authorities as one of the largest and most coordinated hostage recovery missions carried out in the North-East in recent years.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI stormed a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) hideout located within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno after weeks of intelligence gathering and covert reconnaissance.
In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt Col Haruna Sani, said the operation led to the rescue of hundreds of captives, including women and children abducted from several communities around the Ngoshe axis.
According to him, the mission was driven by a robust intelligence network involving Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
“The successful rescue underscores the growing operational reach, intelligence dominance and tactical superiority of Operation HADIN KAI in denying terrorists freedom of action,” Sani stated.
Military authorities disclosed that intelligence operatives successfully penetrated the terrorist network and obtained precise details about the location of the abductees, the movement of insurgent commanders and internal security arrangements within the enclave.
The military said the breakthrough enabled Special Forces and Sector 1 troops to launch a coordinated multi-axis assault under the cover of darkness.
“Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area while blocking units sealed likely escape routes,” the statement added.
The operation reportedly achieved complete tactical surprise, forcing several insurgents to abandon their positions and flee into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered to advancing troops.
The rescued hostages were immediately evacuated from the enclave and taken to safe locations for medical screening and humanitarian assistance.
However, the military disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion caused by the harsh terrain and the prolonged hardship endured during captivity.
The Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) also confirmed the release of abductees from Ngoshe communities.
President of the group, Samaila Ibrahim-Kaigama, said the victims’ return had brought relief to families devastated by months of uncertainty.
“To the Ngoshe women and children who were released tonight, welcome home. Your return brings hope, joy and relief to Southern Borno,” he said.
The group further revealed that four babies born during captivity died from infections before the rescue mission was concluded, while their mothers are currently receiving treatment.
Military authorities said follow-up operations were ongoing to dismantle remnants of the terrorist network and prevent future abductions.
*NAF surveillance intensifies search for abducted Oyo schoolchildren
Meanwhile, in Oyo State, the Nigerian Air Force has stepped up aerial surveillance operations to support efforts aimed at rescuing teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that the Air Force swiftly deployed surveillance platforms after armed bandits attacked schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities on May 15.
The attackers abducted pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School during the raid.
One of the teachers was later killed in captivity, sparking protests by labour unions, civil society groups and residents demanding urgent government intervention.
Makinde spoke during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.
According to the governor, intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating rescue efforts.
“The Air Force made surveillance platforms available immediately after the incident, and the intelligence generated has been supporting ongoing rescue operations,” Makinde said.
He appealed to residents to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that every available resource was being deployed to secure the safe release of the victims.
The governor also commended the NAF leadership for sustaining support while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial security assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos.
Makinde explained that the state procured the platforms after consultations with the Air Force to ensure access to technical support, pilot training and maintenance expertise.
He expressed confidence that the assets would strengthen security operations across Oyo and neighbouring states once fully operational.
Responding on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suleh reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to ongoing rescue operations and national security efforts.
“The NAF remains committed to working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to safeguard lives and property across the country,” Suleh said.
The renewed rescue efforts followed nationwide outrage over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
Last week, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the victims were rescued alive.
President Bola Tinubu had also approved the deployment of a special rescue team and the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in response to the incident.
