By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has rescued 360 kidnapped victims from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) stronghold located in the rugged Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.
According to the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Lt. Col. Haruna M. Sani, the mission was executed by Special Forces alongside troops of Sector 1. He described it as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North East Theatre in recent years.
However, two infants were reported to have died as a result of exhaustion.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Sani said the operation was the result of weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and strategic planning.
He noted that the mission led to the successful rescue of men, women, and children who had endured harsh conditions in captivity after being abducted from several communities, particularly in the Ngoshe axis.
He said the successful rescue operation highlights the growing operational capability, intelligence-driven effectiveness, and tactical advantage of Operation HADIN KAI in restricting terrorist activities and safeguarding vulnerable communities across the theatre.
“The operation was initiated following the receipt of credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources indicating the precise location of the hostages and the existence of an elaborate insurgent support network sustaining the enclave.
“OPHK intelligence elements subsequently launched an extensive target development process involving the integration of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations conducted through unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
“Through sustained intelligence collection and analysis, commanders developed a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent disposition, defensive arrangements, movement patterns, and the condition of the abductees.
“This intelligence-driven approach enabled the force to accurately map the objective area, identify vulnerabilities within the terrorist network, and significantly reduce risks to the hostages during the rescue mission.
“A decisive breakthrough was achieved through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by carefully cultivated intelligence assets operating under the supervision of OPHK military intelligence personnel.
“These assets provided timely and actionable intelligence regarding the exact locations of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders, internal security measures, and planned relocation routes.
“Simultaneously, carefully coordinated information and psychological operations created uncertainty and mistrust within the insurgent ranks, degrading their cohesion and disrupting command and control arrangements.
“The resulting intelligence advantage provided OPHK with unprecedented situational awareness and enabled commanders to shape the operational environment well before the commencement of the assault phase.
“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain, and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal.
“Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces established positions along likely escape routes.
“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted.
“Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.”
The statement noted that the hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the objective area.
However, the task force expressed sadness over the death of two infants, who reportedly succumbed to exhaustion caused by the harsh mountainous terrain and the severe conditions they endured during their prolonged captivity. The remaining rescued victims were safely evacuated and are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.
The statement quoted the military high command as commending the courage, professionalism, and exceptional discipline displayed by all personnel involved in the operation.
“The Military High Command noted that the successful rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, the growing synergy among security stakeholders, and the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens and restore lasting peace to affected communities.”
The military command further assured residents that ongoing exploitation and clearance operations are aimed at neutralising residual terrorist threats, disrupting their logistical networks, and forestalling future kidnappings.
Source: Sun