Troops Rescue 53 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles After Foiling ISWAP Roadblock in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after disrupting a roadblock set up by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the operation was carried out on Wednesday, June 24, by personnel of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected the activities of the suspected terrorists through surveillance cameras.

According to him, the sighting prompted the immediate deployment of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to the location to prevent further attacks on road users.

Goni explained that the responding troops pursued the fleeing insurgents towards the Mangari-Dora axis, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

“The encounter occurred after troops deployed at Dutse Kura observed terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force immediately responded, pursued the insurgents towards the Mangari-Dora general area and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to retreat in disarray,” he said.

The military spokesperson disclosed that the operation led to the successful rescue of 53 civilians who had been held by the terrorists, while eight vehicles previously seized during the attack were also recovered.

He added that troops continued to advance along the terrorists’ escape route and carried out follow-up search operations to ensure the area was cleared, although no further contact was established with the fleeing insurgents.

According to Goni, all rescued civilians, recovered vehicles and other property were safely evacuated to Buratai town.

He noted that the rescued victims are currently undergoing documentation and medical examinations before being reunited with their families.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism and courage during the operation, describing their actions as a demonstration of the military’s continued resolve to protect lives and property across the North-East.

The military also appealed to residents within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities.

He added that the overall security situation in the general area remains calm as troops continue to dominate and patrol the affected communities.