Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued five persons, including three children, who were allegedly held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists following an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the rescue operation was carried out on June 19, 2026, at about 11:40am during a perimeter clearance patrol by troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion in the Bakasi general area.
The sources stated that troops on patrol spotted five persons wandering in a bush area near Ngoshe community and suspected that they had escaped from terrorist captivity.
The rescued victims were identified as Fatima Adamu, 80; Maryam Yakubu, 55; Abubakar Ibrahim, 12; Musa Ibrahim, 11; and Fadima Adamu, 8.
Following the discovery, the troops conducted additional clearance operations within a radius of about 500 metres to confirm that the area was safe before returning to base.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were residents of Ngoshe community and were abducted during a terrorist attack on the area on March 3, 2026.
The rescued persons received first aid treatment from military personnel and were later handed over to the community head, Mallam Bulama Kunda, for reunification with their families.
The military said the security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm but unpredictable, adding that troops continue to maintain vigilance and sustain counter-terrorism operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting communities.
