Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued more than 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation was carried out on June 20, 2026, following sustained military offensives against terrorist enclaves in the Lake Chad region, according to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
The military said persistent ground and air operations mounted by troops forced the terrorists to abandon their positions, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape from prolonged detention.
According to the statement, the rescued individuals have been moved to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and other humanitarian assistance.
“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 statement said.
Military authorities added that relevant agencies are working with the rescued victims to provide the necessary support and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The Theatre Command described the rescue as another demonstration of the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and securing the release of persons held by terrorist groups.
It also reaffirmed its determination to sustain ongoing operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP networks and restoring peace and normalcy across the North-East region.
Operation Hadin Kai has continued to intensify military operations in parts of Borno and the wider Lake Chad basin as part of efforts to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist groups operating in the region.
