’15 Kidnap Victims Freed’ as Troops Bomb Boko Haram Hideout in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly rescued 15 women and children abducted by Boko Haram (JAS) terrorists in Borno state.

In a statement on Wednesday, Sani Uba, media information officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (north-east), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), said the mission followed search and rescue operations conducted by troops around the Mandara mountains.

Uba said JAS fighters fired projectiles into Gwoza in a “desperate but ineffective response”, but there were no casualties or damage.

He added that troops also repelled “coordinated” terrorist attacks at Kanama, Ngoshe and Banki.

“The attacks, which occurred at various times during the day, were decisively defeated through the vigilant response of troops and effective fire control, with no adverse reports recorded,” Uba said.

“The failed assaults further underscore the sustained combat readiness of OPHK troops and their dominance in denying terrorists freedom of action.”

Uba said OPHK conducted air strikes as part of continued offensive operations.

He said a strike at about 3:15am on Wednesday at Sowolowolo in the Sambisa Forest axis, executed after target confirmation, destroyed remaining terrorist gun trucks in the area.

“Additionally, another precision strike at Kaniram in the Mallam Fatori axis targeted terrorists observed conducting burial activities following earlier OPHK strikes, resulting in the neutralisation of scores of fleeing and regrouping elements,” the statement added.

“These coordinated successes highlight OPHK’s sustained offensive pressure, effective air–land integration, and commitment to protecting civilians while dismantling terrorist capabilities.”

Uba said troops would continue “to maintain relentless operations to dominate the battlespace and ensure terrorists are decisively defeated across the Joint Operations Area”.

The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, while urging them to sustain the operational tempo.