Nigerian troops have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles following a successful operation against suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) militants in Borno State, the military has said.

The Nigerian Army announced the development in a statement posted on its official X account on Friday, signed by Acting Military Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, the operation took place on Wednesday, June 24, along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area.

The army said the operation began after troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected terrorists blocking a highway using surveillance cameras.

A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was immediately deployed to the area, where troops pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora axis and engaged them in a firefight.

“The encounter took place when troops deployed at Dutse Kura sighted terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras,” the statement said.

“A Quick Reaction Force team immediately mobilized to the scene, pursued the insurgents, made contact, and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion.”

Following the operation, troops successfully rescued 53 civilians who had been held by the militants and recovered eight vehicles reportedly seized during the attack.

The military added that troops cleared the terrorists’ withdrawal route and conducted follow-up searches in the area, although no further contact was made.

“All rescued persons, recovered vehicles and properties were safely moved to Buratai town,” the statement said. “The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations.”

Operation HADIN KAI commended the troops for what it described as their swift response and professionalism during the mission. Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies regarding suspicious activity.

Borno State remains the centre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency, which began in 2009 with the rise of Boko Haram and has since involved multiple militant factions, including ISWAP.

Despite ongoing military operations, the region continues to experience sporadic attacks on civilians and security forces.

The latest rescue operation comes amid a series of recent military successes, including the reported killing of 27 terrorists in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas of Borno earlier this month. (ILKHA)