Nigerian Troops Rescue 47 Women, Children from ISWAP Captivity in Borno

Maiduguri, Nigeria 🇳🇬  June 23, 2026

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from the captivity of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a military operation in Borno State.

The rescue operation was carried out in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, following sustained ground and air offensives against terrorist enclaves in the Lake Chad region. Military authorities said the intensified operations forced the insurgents to abandon several positions, creating an opportunity for the captives to regain their freedom.

According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the rescued individuals had been held by the terrorists for an extended period under difficult conditions. He noted that the ongoing military pressure on terrorist groups has continued to weaken their operational capabilities and disrupt their activities across the North-East.

Captain Goni explained that troops encountered the victims during clearance operations aimed at flushing out remaining terrorist elements from the area. The rescued women and children were immediately evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention, psychological support, and humanitarian assistance.

Military authorities described the rescue as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in communities affected by insurgency. They reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustaining offensive operations until all terrorist strongholds are dismantled and remaining captives are freed.

The development has been welcomed by residents and humanitarian groups, who have continued to advocate for the safe return of thousands of people displaced or abducted during years of insurgent violence in the North-East.

Operation Hadin Kai has in recent months intensified coordinated land and air operations across Borno and neighboring states, leading to the elimination of several terrorists, the destruction of logistics bases, and the rescue of numerous captives.

Security analysts say the latest rescue underscores the impact of sustained military pressure on insurgent groups and highlights the importance of continued collaboration between security agencies and local communities in the fight against terrorism.