Army Confirms Rescue of 360 Gwoza Captives from Terrorist Enclave in Mandara Mountains

By: Zagazola Makama 

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of 360 abductees held captive by terrorists in a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave located deep within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

The Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Acting Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Haruna Sani.

Sani said the captives, comprising men, women and children, were rescued during what he described as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North-East theatre in recent times.

According to him, the operation was carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 following weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and operational planning.

He said the victims were abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis of Gwoza Local Government Area, and held under harsh conditions in the insurgents’ stronghold.

“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.

“Operation HADIN KAI intelligence elements subsequently launched an extensive target development process involving the integration of Human Intelligence, Signals Intelligence, and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations conducted through unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols,” he said.

Sani explained that sustained intelligence collection and analysis enabled military commanders to develop a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent disposition, defensive arrangements, movement patterns and the condition of the abductees.

He said the intelligence-driven approach allowed troops to accurately map the objective area, identify vulnerabilities within the terrorist network and significantly reduce risks to the hostages during the rescue mission.

According to him, a major breakthrough was achieved following the successful penetration of the terrorist network by carefully cultivated intelligence assets operating under the supervision of military intelligence personnel.

The spokesman said the assets provided timely and actionable intelligence on the exact locations of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders, internal security measures and planned relocation routes.

He added that coordinated information and psychological operations also created uncertainty and mistrust within insurgent ranks, thereby disrupting their command and control structures.

“The resulting intelligence advantage provided Operation HADIN KAI with unprecedented situational awareness and enabled commanders to shape the operational environment well before the commencement of the assault phase,” he said.

Sani said acting on confirmed intelligence, 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.

He said assault forces infiltrated the target 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,” he said.

Sani said the hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened and evacuated from the objective area.

He, however, disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion caused by the difficult mountainous terrain and the harsh conditions endured during their prolonged captivity.

“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group,” he said.

The military spokesman said the High Command had commended the courage, professionalism and exceptional discipline displayed by all personnel involved in the operation.

According to him, the successful rescue reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, growing synergy among security stakeholders and the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens.

He said the military remained committed to restoring lasting peace to affected communities across the North-East.

Sani added that follow-on exploitation and clearance operations were ongoing to neutralise fleeing terrorist elements, dismantle remaining support networks and prevent future abductions.

“The successful rescue of 360 abductees underscores the growing operational reach, intelligence dominance and tactical superiority of Operation HADIN KAI in denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting vulnerable populations across the theatre,” he said.