Troops Foil Mass Abduction in Sambisa, Rescue 150 Civilians

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of Sector 2 under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 150 civilians from a foiled mass abduction along the Buratai-Kamuya axis of Sambisa Forest in Borno State, in what military authorities described as another major blow to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

The civilians, mostly women and children, were travelling along the 130-kilometre Damaturu-Biu road when terrorists launched multiple attacks in a bid to seize them and take them deeper into the forest.

The OPHK Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Maiduguri, saying the troops acted swiftly to frustrate the terrorists’ plans and ensure the safe recovery of all the victims.

According to him, the operation took place on Monday, March 30, at about 2:50 p.m., when troops deployed to Dutse Kura, along the road corridor, came under attack while escorting dozens of civilians to Damaturu and Biu townships.

He said surveillance assets soon detected insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, including men, women and children, after forcing them into 17 vehicles and moving them towards the western fringe of Sambisa Forest.

Lt.-Col. Uba said the military responded immediately by deploying a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), which reinforced the troops already on ground and launched a pursuit towards Mangari area.

“Troops have demonstrated their counter-terrorism operational dominance and unwavering commitment to the protection of civilians by foiling a planned mass abduction by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists,” he said.

He added that the pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the insurgents to abandon both the kidnapped civilians and the 17 vehicles used in the operation.

“All the 150 rescued civilians were safely evacuated from the forest and moved to Buratai for onward movement to reunite them with their families,” he said.

The military spokesman noted, however, that the rescue operation was not without casualties.

He said troops encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Bula Zarma-Mangari axis during the pursuit of the fleeing insurgents, resulting in injuries to five soldiers.

“Five personnel sustained severe injuries and were promptly evacuated for medical treatment,” he stated.

Lt Col Uba said the injured troops paid the price in the line of duty, adding that their sacrifice reflected the military’s determination to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect vulnerable communities across the North-East.

“The successful rescue,” he said, underscores the vigilance, rapid response capability, and sustained offensive posture of Operation Hadin Kai forces in the theatre.

He added that the latest operation should reassure residents about the military’s commitment to stabilisation efforts and civilian protection, especially as the Easter period approaches.

The Sambisa Forest and its surrounding corridors have long remained flashpoints in the insurgency, with troops continuing clearance operations to disrupt terrorist movements, protect road users, and restore confidence among communities affected by years of violence.