Military Rescues 47 Women And Children From ISWAP Captivity In Borno

The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has announced the rescue of 47 people, mainly women and children, who were being held captive by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, located in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the victims were freed during a coordinated operation carried out on June 20, 2026, following sustained offensives against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Musa, the operation was described as a major humanitarian breakthrough in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026”

Captain Musa explained that the success of the operation was made possible by sustained military pressure on ISWAP positions, which forced the terrorists to abandon the area.

“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region. The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity”

According to the military, the rescued individuals have been taken to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and other forms of humanitarian assistance.

Authorities said relevant agencies are also working to support their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

The Theatre Command noted that the rescue underscores the military’s commitment not only to dismantling terrorist networks but also to securing the freedom of civilians held by insurgent groups.

Operation Hadin Kai further reaffirmed its determination to sustain ongoing offensives against ISWAP and other terrorist factions operating in the North-East, with the goal of restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.