The Nigerian Army has rescued six abducted civilians in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

The victims, comprising women and children, were rescued in the early hours of May 1, 2026, around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist movement.

In a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the operation was carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI after sustained offensive actions, including recent air interdictions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have recorded another significant operational success with the rescue of six abducted civilians and their subsequent reunion with family members,” the statement read.

He said the troops intercepted the victims while returning from an overnight offensive operation, adding that preliminary findings showed they were abducted during the March 3, 2026, attack on Ngoshe and held in captivity in Gava before escaping.

The army noted that troops came under “sporadic enemy fire” during the rescue as fleeing terrorists attempted to pursue the victims but were forced to retreat after a brief exchange.

“The troops responded decisively, engaging the terrorists in a brief exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw into the mountainous terrain,” the statement added.

Following the rescue, the victims were given first aid and medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to community authorities and reunited with their families later the same day.

The army added that the operation was part of intensified pressure on terrorist groups, which has “significantly degraded their cohesion and heightened internal disarray,” with intelligence suggesting increasing desperation among the insurgents.

It reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing operations, assuring that efforts to secure communities, rescue abducted persons, and eliminate terrorist elements across the North-East would continue. (Saturday PUNCH)

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