Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued six abducted civilians in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area.
The victims, comprising women and children, were rescued during sustained offensive operations in the Mandara Mountains, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the troops intercepted the victims in the early hours of May 1 around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist movements.
“The rescue followed sustained offensive actions, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops, while returning from a successful overnight operation, intercepted and rescued six women and children,” it said.
The rescued victims were identified as Zainab Idris, Fatima Abubakar, Maimuna Abdulrashid, Muhammad Idris, Sadiq Abdullahi and Fatima Abdulrashid.
Preliminary findings revealed that they were abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026, and held in captivity at a terrorist enclave in Gava before escaping.
It disclosed that troops came under sporadic gunfire from fleeing terrorists attempting to recapture the victims.
“Our troops responded decisively, engaging the terrorists in a brief exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw into the mountainous terrain,” he said.
He added that the success of the operation was linked to intensified military pressure on terrorist groups, which has weakened their structure and increased internal disarray.
“Intelligence indicates that the terrorists are increasingly desperate and paranoid following sustained losses and the escape of captives,” he said.
The victims were given first aid and medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to community authorities.
“They were successfully reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by community members,” the statement added.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to securing communities and rescuing abducted persons across the North-East.
“We assure the public of our unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorist elements and restoring peace to the region,” the statement said, urging residents to provide credible information to support ongoing operations.