The Nigerian military, under Operation Hadin Kai and in collaboration with Special Operations Forces, has successfully rescued 360 civilians — predominantly women and children — who were abducted by terrorists from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation, conducted on June 6, 2026, involved coordinated multi-front actions across the rugged Mandara Mountains. Special Operations Forces first executed precision preliminary missions that sowed confusion in terrorist camps, creating the conditions for ground troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade to move in and extract the hostages.
The rescued individuals were among those taken during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.
Tragically, two infants died during the evacuation due to the extremely difficult and harsh terrain encountered while moving the civilians to safety.Upon arrival, all rescued persons received immediate medical screening.
Those needing urgent care were stabilised by brigade medical teams and transferred to the General Hospital in Gwoza for further treatment. The civilians were also provided with food, water, and initial support before being moved to a secure holding facility ahead of their formal handover to relevant authorities and eventual reunification with their families.
Military sources described the operation as a major humanitarian and operational success in the ongoing fight to dismantle terrorist networks and free civilians held in remote parts of the North-East.
While the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still considered unpredictable. Troops’ morale and operational readiness, however, remain very high.