The Nigerian military has successfully rescued 47 individuals, predominantly women and children, from captivity in an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted on June 20 under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), was announced in a statement released Monday by Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East OPHK.
According to Capt. Goni, the victims regained their freedom following sustained military offensives targeting terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad region. He emphasized that the rescue was achieved through coordinated ground and air assaults that forced insurgents to abandon their positions in disarray, enabling the captives to escape.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026,” the statement read.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance at a secure facility. Authorities confirmed that arrangements are underway to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Capt. Goni underscored that the operation reflects the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding civilians and dismantling terrorist networks in the North-East.
“This rescue further highlights the determination of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” he stated.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP cells, and restore peace and stability across the region.
