Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued six abducted civilians in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area, marking another operational success in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
The rescue followed sustained offensives, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted and rescued the victims in the early hours of May 1, 2026, around Amuda a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist movements.
Those rescued include Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), and three children: Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5). According to preliminary findings, they were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe on March 3, 2026, and had been held in captivity in Gava before escaping.
During the operation, troops reportedly came under sporadic gunfire from fleeing terrorists attempting to recapture the escapees. The soldiers responded swiftly, engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat into the mountainous terrain.
Military sources linked the success to intensified pressure on terrorist groups, which has reportedly weakened their structure and increased internal disarray. Intelligence further suggests growing desperation among insurgents, with more captives managing to escape.
Following their rescue, the victims received medical attention at a military facility before being formally handed over to community leaders. They were later reunited with their families in an emotional ceremony facilitated by the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to securing communities across the North-East, rescuing abducted persons, and dismantling terrorist strongholds.
They also urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing military operations.
