A major ISWAP captive rescue operation has led to the freedom of 47 people, mostly women and children, who were held by terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The victims were rescued by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), following intensified military operations targeting Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni. According to the military, sustained ground and air offensives forced terrorists to abandon key positions, creating an opportunity for captives to escape after prolonged periods in detention.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, 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.
“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 said.
The latest ISWAP captive rescue reflects ongoing military efforts to weaken insurgent networks operating across the North-East. Security operations have intensified in recent months, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa Forest axis, areas long considered strongholds for insurgent activities. Military authorities said the rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care at a secure location while arrangements are being made to provide humanitarian support and psychosocial assistance.
Capt. Goni noted that relevant government agencies and humanitarian partners are working closely with the military to facilitate rehabilitation programmes and support the victims’ eventual reintegration into society. The operation adds to a series of recent military successes involving the recovery of weapons, rescue of abducted civilians, and disruption of terrorist activities across the region.
Beyond combat operations, Operation Hadin Kai said protecting civilians remains a core objective of its mission. The military described the rescue as evidence of its commitment to reducing the humanitarian impact of insurgency while restoring security in affected communities. Goni reaffirmed the Theatre Command’s determination to sustain pressure on remaining terrorist networks and prevent insurgents from regrouping in vulnerable locations.
The latest ISWAP captive rescue comes as authorities continue efforts to restore stability in communities affected by years of conflict. For residents, humanitarian agencies, and local businesses, improved security remains critical to rebuilding livelihoods, supporting economic activities, and encouraging the safe return of displaced populations.
As military operations continue across the North-East, security officials say sustained collaboration between armed forces, local communities, and humanitarian partners will be essential to achieving lasting peace and normalcy in the region.
