Nigerian troops have rescued 92 civilians abducted by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and foiled an ambush involving three improvised explosive devices along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government area of Borno State, North East Nigeria.
The operation was carried out on 23 May 2026 by soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI, the joint task force overseeing counter-insurgency efforts in the North East.
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According to the military, troops from the 135 Special Forces Battalion spotted the insurgents using surveillance systems as they forced civilians and vehicles off the road near Dutse Kura at about 11:22 a.m.
A quick reaction force was immediately deployed, supported by reinforcements from the 27 Task Force Brigade.
The troops, in a statement to Voice of Nigeria by the Spokesperson of the operation, Sadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, pursued the fighters toward the Mangari-Dora area, engaged them, and forced them to abandon the captives and flee.
“All 92 victims 52 men, 33 women, and 7 children were recovered unharmed, along with eight vehicles.”
As they retreated, the insurgents planted three IEDs along the route in the Bula Zarma and Mangari areas in an apparent attempt to slow the advance.
Military explosive ordnance teams located and safely detonated all three devices, clearing the road for further pursuit about five kilometres beyond Mangari.
The military said no soldiers were killed or injured during the operation. The rescued civilians received immediate welfare support and were escorted to Damaturu to continue their journeys.
Operation HADIN KAI said the mission demonstrated its surveillance capability and rapid response capacity.
“Any attempt by terrorists to harm, kidnap, or intimidate civilians will be met with swift and overwhelming force.” The Spokesperson added.
