Troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted a terrorists’ highway blockade mounted by suspected JAS/ISWAP fighters along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 civilians and recovering eight vehicles.
The military said the operation, carried out on Wednesday, June 24, formed part of the ongoing offensive against terrorist groups in the North-East.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected the insurgents blocking the highway through surveillance cameras.
Following the sighting, a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was immediately deployed to the scene. The troops pursued the terrorists toward the Mangari–Dora axis, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
The superior firepower of the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their operation and flee the area in disarray.
During the operation, soldiers successfully rescued 53 stranded civilians and recovered eight vehicles earlier seized by the terrorists.
The troops subsequently swept and dominated the terrorists’ withdrawal route to prevent any regrouping. Although no further contact was made with the fleeing insurgents, the area was thoroughly searched before the troops safely evacuated the rescued civilians, recovered vehicles and other belongings to Buratai.
The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical screening.
Commending the swift response and professionalism of the troops, the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI urged residents across the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence on suspicious movements.
The command added that the security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining an aggressive operational posture to deny terrorists freedom of movement.
