Soldiers under Operation Hadin Kai have freed 360 people held by Boko Haram terrorists. Most of those rescued were women and children abducted from Ngoshe in Gwoza, Borno State.
Armed insurgents attacked the community on March 3, 2026. Military forces pushed back the attackers and killed dozens in the firefight.
Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, the task force's media officer, described the rescue as a major success. According to him, it was one of the most significant hostage recoveries in the North East theatre recently.
The captives had been held in a heavily fortified terrorist enclave deep in the Mandara Mountains. They endured harsh conditions during their time in captivity.
Sani noted that weeks of intelligence work made the operation possible. Teams conducted careful surveillance, reconnaissance, and detailed planning before moving in.
Intelligence units gathered information from multiple sources to locate the hostages. They used human intelligence, signals intelligence, and drone surveillance to track the terrorists.
Commanders studied the terrain carefully. They mapped defensive positions and identified weaknesses in the terrorist network.
This approach helped reduce risks to the captives during the actual rescue. Soldiers knew what to expect when they launched the operation.
Governor Babagana Zulum praised the military's efforts. He commended Operation Hadin Kai troops for their courage and professionalism.
Zulum first visited Ngoshe on March 6, 2026, just days after the attack. Two weeks later, he spent a night with rescue victims in Pulka town.
He promised the state and federal governments would work to free those still missing. During his Ngoshe visit, he ordered immediate repairs to damaged houses.
His media adviser, Dauda Iliya, released a statement with these details. The governor wanted residents to return home from temporary shelters in Pulka.
Borno State has faced recurring attacks from militant groups for years. Ngoshe sits in a volatile region prone to insurgent activity.
The rescue operation represents a turning point in the military campaign. Troops are demonstrating better intelligence capabilities and tactical skill.
Soldiers said the hostages appeared relieved following their rescue. Many had worried they'd never see their families again.
Efforts to reunite rescued persons with relatives began immediately after the operation. Authorities documented the names of all freed individuals.
Security forces remain active in the Mandara Mountains region. They're hunting for additional terrorist hideouts and remaining hostages.
