Troops Crush ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages, Recover Eight Vehicles in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have dismantled an ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 civilians and recovering eight vehicles during a successful counterterrorism operation.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out on Wednesday, June 24, by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2.

The military said troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected suspected ISWAP terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was immediately deployed to the scene, where soldiers engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle after pursuing them toward the Mangari–Dora general area.

The terrorists reportedly fled under intense military pressure, abandoning the roadblock.

During the operation, troops rescued 53 civilians who had been held by the insurgents and recovered eight vehicles seized during the attack. Security forces also conducted follow-up clearance operations along the terrorists' withdrawal route to prevent further threats, although no additional contact was made.

The rescued civilians, along with the recovered vehicles and other properties, were safely evacuated to Buratai town. The victims are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessment.

Commending the troops for their swift response and professionalism, the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive against terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The command also urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

According to the military, the security situation in the affected area remains calm, with troops maintaining an aggressive operational posture to deny terrorists freedom of movement.

The latest operation is part of the ongoing military campaign to degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups and restore lasting peace across Nigeria's North-East region.