Following weeks of meticulous planning, covert reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering, Nigerian security forces launched a series of coordinated strikes over the past week, liberating 375 captives across the country.
The most significant victory occurred in the rugged Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State, where troops shattered a fortified Boko Haram enclave to rescue 360 men, women, and children.
The victims had spent months in captivity after being snatched from the Ngoshe axis.
Reacting to the feat, former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume lauded the military’s breakthrough, while Lt.-Col. Haruna Sani of Operation Hadin Kai confirmed the tactical precision of the raid.
The security crackdown extended well beyond the northeast. In central and northern Nigeria, troops recovered 10 victims in Plateau and Kaduna, alongside two farmers in Sokoto.
Meanwhile, in the south-west, police operations in Ibadan successfully freed the sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and her twin children on Friday.
The multi-agency triumphs reaffirmed the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who just days prior declared that Nigeria would never bow to the will of bandits and terrorists.
According to him, the military received credible intelligence from multiple sources that exposed the exact location of the hostages and the insurgent network sustaining the camp.
“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the target area, dominate key terrain and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal,” he said.
The troops invaded the area under the cover of darkness and achieved complete tactical surprise, forcing several insurgents to flee while others surrendered.
“The operation resulted in the safe recovery of men, women and children who had been held in captivity under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis,” Sani added.
The rescued victims were screened and evacuated for medical treatment and humanitarian support.
The military explained that two infants died from exhaustion during the difficult evacuation through the mountainous terrain.
Sani described the mission as a major success that demonstrated the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led operations.
“The successful rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, the growing synergy among security stakeholders and the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens and restore lasting peace,” he said.
Ndume praised the troops for their courage and professionalism.
“We must applaud the professionalism and spectacular patriotism of men and officers of the Nigerian Army who continue to exhibit outstanding courage in the face of obvious logistic challenges,” he said.
He also commended Governor Babagana Zulum, the military high command and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their contributions to stabilising communities affected by insurgency.
The senator, however, urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other abductees, including schoolchildren kidnapped in Askira-Uba Local Government Area and travellers abducted along the Biu-Buratai road.
In another major success, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued 10 victims in Plateau and Kaduna states.
The operation included the rescue of six passengers abducted along the Hawan Kibo-Rafin Sayin road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Chinonso Oteh, troops responded swiftly after receiving reports that kidnappers had blocked the highway.
The victims told security personnel they were travelling from Lafia in Nasarawa State to Jos when they were abducted.
Troops also rescued a pastor and his wife during another operation in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The couple, who sustained injuries during the attack, were evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In Kaduna State, troops rescued two passengers kidnapped by terrorists along the Rafi Tagwai-Angwan Dariya road in Sanga Local Government Area.
Security forces recovered ammunition at the scene and launched a manhunt for the fleeing criminals while efforts continued to rescue other victims.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division also recorded success in Sokoto State after foiling a bandits’ attack on a Forward Operating Base in Tidibale village, Isa Local Government Area.
Two kidnapped farmers were rescued during the operation and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Security sources said the swift response of the troops prevented further casualties and saved property.
In a separate operation, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repelled an attack by Lakurawa terrorists on the Magonho community in Tangaza Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) assured that aerial surveillance and intelligence operations are continuing to support efforts to rescue abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, represented by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, said intelligence gathered through surveillance flights was helping security agencies coordinate ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
Governor Seyi Makinde commended the Air Force for its swift intervention and urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that every available resource was being deployed to secure the release of the pupils.
Also on Sunday, June 7, the Katsina State Government said the release of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar and his wife, who were abducted last week by bandits, is imminent.
Commissioner for Information, Bala Salisu Zango, in a statement, said the government has intensified multi-dimensional efforts to secure the release of the couple and other captives.
Zango said: “The Katsina State Government wishes to provide an update regarding the abduction of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd), and his wife.
“Government is pleased to announce that coordinated efforts are reaching an advanced stage, and there is high optimism that the retired General and his wife will soon gain their freedom.”
Following the abduction along the Matazu axis, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda directed all relevant security agencies to prioritise the safe return of the couple and others held in the bandits’ den.
Zango noted that the precision of the abduction indicates the involvement of organised criminal groups, an insight currently guiding security forces toward a focused and effective rescue mission.
“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response. The state is working around the clock, utilising both technology and ground intelligence to close in on the abductors.
“Our primary goal remains the safe return of the General, his wife, and others in similar situations,” Zango stated.
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