Dare Babalola
Nigerian troops have successfully thwarted a large-scale abduction attempt in Borno State, forcing suspected insurgents to flee and abandon more than 150 civilians during a coordinated military response.
The operation, carried out by troops under Operation Hadin Kai, was triggered after security forces escorting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya route in Biu Local Government Area came under attack on March 30.
According to military authorities, the confrontation quickly escalated when surveillance detected armed fighters attempting to herd dozens of civilians into multiple vehicles for a mass kidnapping.
The insurgents, believed to be linked to Boko Haram, had reportedly gathered men, women, and children and were preparing to move them into the bush using about 17 vehicles before troops intervened.
In response, a reinforcement team was swiftly deployed, intensifying the military’s counterattack. Under sustained pressure, the attackers abandoned both the captives and their vehicles, retreating from the area as troops advanced towards Mangari.
“All the civilians were recovered safely and evacuated to Buratai, where arrangements were made for their reunion with families,” said Sani Uba, spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, in a statement on Tuesday.
Despite the success of the rescue mission, the operation was not without casualties. Five soldiers sustained serious injuries during the encounter and are currently receiving medical treatment. Troops also discovered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis during follow-up operations.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in Borno, long regarded as the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria since the 2009 uprising by Boko Haram.
Recent data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project indicates a resurgence in violent activities across the state. In 2025 alone, hundreds of clashes between military forces and insurgents were recorded, alongside numerous attacks targeting civilians and the use of explosives.
Military authorities say insurgent factions, including elements of the Islamic State West Africa Province, have increasingly adopted coordinated attacks, particularly against security installations, highlighting the evolving nature of the threat in the North-East.
