Troops Foil ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Civilians in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 53 civilians after foiling a ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:45 p.m. on June 24 after troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Echo 1, Dutse Kura, detected the terrorists through surveillance system.
According to the sources, the terrorists had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya axis when the Quick Response Force (QRF) was immediately mobilised to the location.
The troops pursued the fleeing insurgents towards the Mangari–Dora general area, where they made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
The successful operation led to the rescue of 53 civilians, comprising 48 adults—20 males and 28 females—and five children. Troops also recovered eight vehicles abandoned during the incident.
Following the rescue, troops advanced about 10 kilometres along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, dominating the general area and conducting further searches to ensure the road was safe. No further contact with the insurgents was established.
The rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were escorted to Buratai, from where they will continue their journeys.
Military sources confirmed that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded during the operation.
The latest rescue underscores the sustained efforts of Operation HADIN KAI troops to secure major supply routes and protect civilians from terrorist activities across the North-East theatre.
Military authorities noted that while the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, adding that troops remain in high spirits and maintain satisfactory operational effectiveness.
