By Teddy Nwanunobi
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued 47 people, mostly women and children, from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a military statement on Tuesday, the rescue came after the troops launched an aggressive ground and air assaults, which forced the terrorists to abandon their positions.
It said the hostages were rescued following sustained offensive operations by troops against ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
Their abandonment created an opportunity for the captives to escape from prolonged detention, according to the statement.
“The Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, 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.
“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,” the military stated.
The military added that the rescued persons are currently receiving medical attention at a secure location, while arrangements are being made to provide them with the necessary humanitarian assistance.
It said relevant agencies are collaborating with the military to facilitate the victims’ rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society and noted that the latest rescue underscored the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to protecting civilians while sustaining efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities in the North East.
The statement reaffirmed the theatre command’s resolve to intensify offensive operations to dismantle the remaining ISWAP networks and restore lasting peace and normalcy across the region.
The military has in recent months intensified operations across the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa forest axis, leading to the rescue of captives, recovery of weapons and the killing of scores of insurgents.