Boko Haram attack foiled as troops rescue 92 kidnap victims in Borno

By Ndahi Marama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully executed a swift and decisive rescue operation that freed 92 kidnapped victims from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Biu- Buratai–Kamuya -Damaturu road.

The incident happened in Biu local government area axis of Borno state on Saturday 23 May 2026 at approximately 1122 hours, when alert troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura detected BH/ISWAP terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road and into the surrounding bush using their surveillance system.

This is as the OPKH has noted with concern a misleading video circulating on social media alleging non-payment of allowances to troops and victimization of a soldier within the Theatre.

The Theatre Command categorically states that the claims contained in the video are false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and discredit the military command structure.

These were contained in a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba on Sunday morning.

The statement partly reads: “Troops of the North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully executed a swift and decisive rescue operation that freed 92 kidnapped victims from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Biu- Buratai–Kamuya -Damaturu road.

“The incident happened in Biu local government area axis of Borno state on Saturday 23 May 2026 at approximately 1122 hours, when alert troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura detected BH/ISWAP terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road and into the surrounding bush using their surveillance system.

“The unit’s Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, while reinforcement troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were simultaneously activated to join the rescue. Converging on the terrorists in a well-coordinated pursuit towards the Mangari-Dora general area, OPHK troops engaged the insurgents and forced them to abandon their captives and flee in confusion.

“All 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females and 7 children, along with 8 vehicles, were successfully recovered.

“In a desperate bid to delay the advancing troops, the fleeing terrorists covertly emplaced three IEDs along the Bula Zarma, Mangari general area in a calculated ambush attempt.

“The plot failed completely. The unit’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded with precision and successfully detonated all three devices, clearing the route and enabling troops to press the pursuit approximately five kilometres beyond the Mangari general area. Subsequent search operations were conducted across the area, but the terrorists having abandoned their captives, their vehicles and their tactical objectives had scattered in complete disarray.

“OPHK troops sustained zero personnel or equipment casualties throughout the operation. The rescued civilians were consolidated, provided immediate welfare support and escorted by troops all the way to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.

“This operation once again affirms the operational reach, surveillance capability and combat readiness of OPHK and serves as an unambiguous message that any attempt by terrorists to harm, kidnap or intimidate civilians will be met with swift and overwhelming force across the entirety of the North East Theatre”. Uba stated.

Similarly Uba said, the Headquarters, Theatre Command has noted with concern a misleading video circulating on social media alleging non-payment of allowances to troops and victimization of a soldier within the Theatre.

“The Theatre Command categorically states that the claims contained in the video are false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and discredit the military command structure. The Theatre Command wishes to clearly state that the money referenced in the video is not Operational Allowance.

” It is important to emphasize that all legitimate allowances due to troops under Operation HADIN KAI have been paid up to date as of May 2026, with no outstanding issues. These include the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), disbursed to units for centralized feeding of troops, Operational Allowance paid directly into individual accounts, and Habit Allowance also paid into individual accounts.

“The claim in the video concerns an additional incentive paid to troops providing security at a critical national asset in Tuba, disbursed only when funds are available.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) initially assumed responsibility for this allowance, while the Borno State Government maintained a separate payment plan for the Police and Volunteer Forces.

“However, when NNPC ceased exploration, payments to troops were discontinued.

“Consequently, the Borno State Government graciously took over responsibility and effort is ongoing to incorporate the payment of troops into the same plan for the Police and Volunteer Forces.

” At the time the concern was raised, funds for this additional allowance were still pending. During an operational visit, the soldier presented the matter to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, who assured personnel that he would liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure payment once funds were released.

“The allegation that the soldier was intimidated or punished is entirely unfounded. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare and fair treatment of its personnel.

“Preliminary findings further reveal that the video was not produced by the soldier, but by a mischievous content creator known for publishing material based on information from a few disgruntled individuals.

“The Theatre Command regards this act as unpatriotic and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Armed Forces.

“The dissemination of such maligning information constitutes a violation of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ social media policy, which clearly defines the acceptable use of digital platforms by personnel, particularly in relation to operational matters.

“Measures are firmly in place to address any breaches in accordance with established regulations. In addition, the Military High Command has instituted robust mechanisms to ensure prompt and consistent payment of all legitimate entitlements, including close collaboration with relevant stakeholders to improve funding timelines for supplementary allowances.

“The welfare of troops remains a paramount priority, and all concerns are continually addressed through established and effective channels.

“Therefore, the Theatre Command urges media organizations and the public to refrain from disseminating unverified or misleading information, particularly on sensitive military operations.

“Such actions risk undermining troop morale and jeopardizing national security efforts. Operation HADIN KAI remains unwavering in its mandate to restore peace, security, and economic stability in the North-East region, while consistently upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and accountability”. Uba concluded. End

The post Boko Haram attack foiled as troops rescue 92 kidnap victims in Borno appeared first on Vanguard News.