By Salihu Pirkusu, Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 6 women out of the others who were abducted by suspected Bo]ko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Ngoshe village, Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno state.
The Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba said on Friday night that the significant operational success led to the rescue of six abducted civilians and their subsequent reunion with family members in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
He said”The rescue operation followed sustained offensive actions, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence, troops of OPHK, while returning from a successful overnight offensive operation in the early hours of 1 May 2026, intercepted and rescued six women and children around Amuda—a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist transit activities.
“The rescued victims were identified as Mrs. Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5). Preliminary debriefings revealed that they were among residents abducted during the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026 and had been held in captivity at a terrorist enclave in Gava before escaping. During the rescue, troops came under sporadic enemy fire as fleeing terrorists attempted to pursue the escapees.
“The troops responded decisively, engaging the terrorists in a brief exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw into the mountainous terrain.
“The successful rescue operation is also linked to intensified operational pressure on terrorist elements, which has significantly degraded their cohesion and heightened internal disarray. Intelligence indicates that the terrorists are increasingly desperate and paranoid, following sustained losses and the escape of captives, including a 16-year-old girl who had been forcefully married to one of their commanders.
“Following the rescue, the victims were immediately administered first aid and medical checks at a military facility before being formally handed over to community authorities. At about 1400 hours the same day, they were successfully reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by community members.
“The Military High Command commends the troops for their impressive battle performance, urging them to sustain aggressive operations, to dominate the battlespace”. Uba explained.
On the killing of four terrorists, Uba said the successful operation conducted in conjunction with members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), troops of OPHK engaged terrorists moving from Yale towards the Sambisa Forest axis. During the encounter, four terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, as well as food items suspected to be part of terrorist logistics supply. The troops returned safely to base with no casualties.
“Similarly, sustained aggressive operations conducted by multiple units across key routes including Dambboa–Maiduguri, Dambboa–Gwoza, Goniri axis, and other likely infiltration corridors successfully denied terrorists freedom of movement and actions.
“In a related development, troops of OPHK deployed at Kanama arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a stop-and-search operation. The suspects were found in possession of items and materials, including clothing and personal effects, suspected to be linked to terrorist logistics support. Preliminary investigations also revealed incriminating digital materials suggesting possible affiliation with terrorist elements. The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.
“Furthermore, troops of OPHK recorded the surrender of one suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP member at a checkpoint in Kukawa Local Government Area. The individual, who claimed to have been abducted earlier in the year and coerced into joining the terrorists group, is currently undergoing profiling and further investigation.
He said the Theatre Command reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace, security and economic stability in the North East region .The Command urges citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in the security and economic interest of the North East region.
