In a significant victory against insurgency, the Nigerian military, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), successfully rescued 360 residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The victims, who included men, women, and children, had been held captive by a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), in a heavily fortified enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno State since March.

The successful operation, confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, involved Special Forces and personnel of Sector 1. This complex mission was the culmination of weeks of intensive intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and meticulous operational planning. The military described it as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations in the North-East in recent times, highlighting the harsh conditions the abductees endured during their captivity. Earlier, six other abducted civilians had been rescued around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava communities.

The Nigerian Army revealed that the mission was launched after receiving credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources. This intelligence not only identified the exact location of the hostages but also exposed an insurgent support network. Intelligence personnel then conducted an extensive target development process, utilizing Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, which included unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols. This sustained intelligence collection and analysis provided commanders with a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent disposition, defensive arrangements, movement patterns, and the conditions of the abductees, allowing them to accurately map the objective area and identify weaknesses within the terrorist network.

A major breakthrough occurred when intelligence assets, supervised by OPHK military intelligence personnel, allegedly penetrated the insurgent network. These sources reportedly supplied crucial information regarding the precise locations of the abductees, the positions of insurgent commanders, internal security arrangements, and planned relocation routes. Simultaneously, coordinated information and psychological operations were deployed to sow uncertainty among the insurgents, weaken their cohesion, and disrupt their command-and-control structures ahead of the assault. This intelligence advantage granted commanders unprecedented situational awareness, enabling them to shape the operational environment before launching the rescue mission.

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, lauded the military's remarkable operation, praising the professionalism, resilience, and patriotism displayed by the troops. He specifically applauded the professionalism and spectacular patriotism of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army for their outstanding courage despite logistical challenges. Ndume also extended his appreciation to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, for their significant contributions to the mission's success. Furthermore, Senator Ndume credited Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state, acknowledging that the governor's efforts played a vital role in the security forces' achievements.

Senator Ndume also commended Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for providing relief materials to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the insurgency. He urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to collaborate with the Borno State Government in rebuilding Ngoshe community. This rehabilitation, he stressed, is crucial for facilitating the return of displaced residents, as many IDPs are willing to leave camps and return home if their community is made habitable and adequately secured with military presence.

Looking ahead, Ndume called on the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, as well as travelers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai Road. He also condemned the recent killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village, Biu Local Government Area, describing the incident as unfortunate and a stark reminder of the continuous need to sustain pressure on insurgent groups operating in the region.