Troops of Sector 2 under 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 seized by the terrorists.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the 135 Special Forces Battalion on Wednesday, June 24, followed intelligence gathered through surveillance cameras monitoring the Dutse Kura area.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops detected terrorists blocking the highway and immediately deployed a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to the location.
The troops pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari–Dora general area, where they engaged them in a fierce firefight, forcing the terrorists to abandon the roadblock and flee.
During the operation, soldiers rescued 53 stranded civilians and recovered eight vehicles earlier hijacked by the terrorists. The troops subsequently cleared the insurgents’ withdrawal route and conducted further searches to ensure the area was secure.
All rescued civilians, recovered vehicles and other properties were safely evacuated to Buratai town, where the victims are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluation.
Captain Goni said the Theatre Command commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and swift response, describing the operation as another significant success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North East.
He urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information on suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
The military added that the security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining an aggressive posture to deny terrorists freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents
