SAA event in Nigeria on Fri 31st July 2026

OPERATION HADIN KAI: TROOPS FOIL TERRORIST ABDUCTION ATTEMPT, RESCUE 31 CIVILIANS IN BORNO 

In a display of vigilance and bravery, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has yet again thwarted a terrorist abduction attempt and rescued 31 civilians during a successful military operation conducted along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

At about 3:45 p.m on 31 July 2026, troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion, Dutsen Kura, detected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists through  real-time surveillance systems as they intercepted four civilian vehicles and abducted their occupants. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Battalion deployed a Quick Response Force in pursuit of the terrorists as they fled towards the Mangari–Dora general area. The troops made contact with the insurgents and engaged them with effective fire, compelling the terrorists to abandon the abducted civilians and the four civilian vehicles before fleeing into the surrounding bush in disarray. During the operation, troops also recovered motorcycles abandoned  by the fleeing terrorists. All 31 abducted civilians were rescued unharmed, while the four civilian vehicles were recovered intact. 

Following the successful rescue, troops dominated the general area and conducted further exploitation to deny the terrorists any opportunity to regroup. No further contact was made during the operation. The rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were subsequently escorted to Buratai, where the victims regained possession of their vehicles and continued their journey safely.

The successful operation once again demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in protecting civilians and frustrating terrorist activities. The Joint Task Force remains resolute in sustaining aggressive operations to eliminate the remnants of terrorists while ensuring the security of communities and major lines of communication across the North East Theatre.

MOHAMMED GONI 
Captain 
Acting Military Information Officer 
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI 
MAIDUGURI 
31 July, 2026