Troops free 47 people held by ISWAP in Borno

Troops from Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 people, mostly women and children, from captivity in an ISWAP area in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue happened on June 20.

The Acting Military Information Officer for the North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, shared this news in a statement on Monday.

Goni explained that the victims were freed after the military increased attacks on terrorist hideouts around Lake Chad.

"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 said.

He said the operation was successful due to stronger ground and air strikes on the terrorists, which made them flee 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 reported that the rescued people are now getting medical care and other support at a safe place.

"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.

Goni remarked that the rescue shows the military's dedication to protecting civilians and breaking down terrorist networks 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," he said.

He added that the military will keep working to dismantle the remaining terrorist groups and bring peace back to the area.

"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 State has faced insurgency for over ten years, with many civilians displaced, kidnapped, or killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

Recently, the military has ramped up operations around the Lake Chad basin and the Sambisa area to weaken terrorist groups and protect communities affected by the conflict.