Military rescues 47 ISWAP captives in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from captivity in an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue operation was carried out on June 20.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni said the victims regained their freedom following sustained military offensives against terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad region.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026,” the statement read.

He explained that the operation was made possible by intensified ground and air assaults on terrorist strongholds, which forced the insurgents to abandon their positions.

“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.

“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” he added.

According to the military, the rescued persons are currently receiving medical attention and other forms of support at a secure location.

“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” the statement said.

Goni noted that the rescue underscores the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and weakening terrorist networks operating in the North-East.

“This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” he stated.

He added that the military would continue its operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist cells and restoring peace to the region.

“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” the statement concluded.

Borno State has remained the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East for over a decade, with thousands of civilians displaced, abducted, or killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

In recent months, the military has intensified operations across the Lake Chad basin and the Sambisa axis as part of efforts to weaken terrorist groups and secure communities affected by the conflict.