MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Troops of the Nigerian military have killed several suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and rescued abducted victims during renewed counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
The operations were carried out by troops under Operation Hadin Kai, supported in some areas by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Military sources said soldiers launched coordinated offensives around Valle, Ashigashiya and Gakara communities, where they came under contact with suspected terrorists.
During the encounter, troops reportedly engaged the insurgents with superior firepower, killing at least two fighters while others fled toward the Ngoshe axis. The military said no casualty was recorded among its personnel during the operation.
In a separate operation, troops rescued abducted civilians after intercepting militants who were allegedly moving captives through the Buratai-Kamuya road in Borno State. The rescued victims included men, women and children, who were later taken for medical checks and profiling. The Associated Press reported that 92 abducted people were freed in the operation, including 52 men, 33 women and seven children.
Military authorities said troops also intercepted suspected terrorist collaborators and recovered stolen livestock during follow-up operations. The suspects are undergoing investigation to determine their links to insurgent networks operating across Borno and neighbouring areas.
The army also recorded the surrender of some family members linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. Among those who surrendered were Aishatu Sale, 20, in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar, 70, who reportedly escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
The renewed operations come amid continued security pressure in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, where insurgent groups still carry out attacks, abductions and ambushes despite years of military campaigns. Ngoshe and surrounding communities, close to the Mandara Mountains, have repeatedly witnessed terrorist activity because of difficult terrain and proximity to insurgent hideouts.
Security analysts say the rescue of abducted civilians is significant, but they warn that sustained operations will be needed to stop militants from regrouping. Many communities in the region remain vulnerable, especially farmers, travellers and displaced families returning to areas recently cleared by troops.
The military said operations would continue until terrorist enclaves are dismantled and kidnapped victims still in captivity are rescued.
