The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Musa, disclosed this in a statement, describing the operation as a major humanitarian success recorded on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
According to him, the rescue was achieved through a combined military operation that compelled the insurgents to abandon their captives.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on June 20, 2026,” he stated.
Captain Musa explained that the successful operation was made possible by sustained military pressure and relentless offensives against ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in disarray, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” he added.
He further disclosed that the rescued persons are currently receiving medical attention at a secure location, while humanitarian assistance is being provided in collaboration with relevant agencies to support their rehabilitation and reintegration.
The military spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrading the operational capacity of terrorist groups but also securing the freedom of innocent civilians held against their will.
The Theatre Command also reiterated its determination to sustain ongoing offensives aimed at dismantling the remaining ISWAP networks and restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East region.
