DHQ Intensify Search For Abducted 416 Victims

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified intelligence-led operations across the Gwoza and Mandara Mountains axis in Borno State to rescue residents abducted from Ngoshe community.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, disclosed this in an interview with Punch on Sunday.

Onoja said the military remained concerned about the abducted persons and was monitoring reports on the incident.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, through Operation Hadin Kai, remains deeply concerned about the plight of abducted residents from Ngoshe community and continues to closely monitor all reports emerging from the incident,” he said.

He added that some reports were still being verified, but troops had sustained operations to locate and rescue the captives.

“These efforts have already led to the successful rescue of some victims, while operations remain ongoing to secure the release of others still in captivity,” he said.

Insurgents reportedly overran a military base and invaded Ngoshe on March 4, 2026, killing several persons and abducting 416 residents, mostly women and children.

On April 19, the terrorists released a video demanding ₦5bn ransom and threatening to kill the captives within 72 hours if the demand was not met.

Between April 22 and 23, 12 abducted persons reportedly escaped during military pressure operations.

Onoja said troops had intensified measures to prevent further attacks in the area and adjoining communities.

“In addition, Operation Hadin Kai has intensified measures to prevent any recurrence within the area and adjoining communities.

“These measures include enhanced troop presence, increased surveillance and patrols, sustained offensive operations against terrorist enclaves and movement corridors, as well as closer collaboration with local communities and other security stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning mechanisms,” he said.

He added that troops remained committed to protecting lives and denying terrorists freedom of action.