MAIDUGURI — Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has formally commended the Nigerian military following a major counter-insurgency breakthrough: the successful rescue of 360 individuals from a Boko Haram enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains.

The Operation

The mission, executed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, was the result of weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and coordinated planning. The victims comprising a mix of men, women, and children had been held captive by a faction of the insurgent group after being abducted from various communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis.

Military authorities have described the operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions in the North-East in recent years, noting that the precision strike not only freed the captives but also disrupted an extensive support network that had been sustaining the insurgent enclave.

Zulum’s Commendation

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum praised the troops for their "courage, professionalism, and effective intelligence-led operations." He highlighted the rescue as a powerful indicator of the progress being made in the collaborative efforts between the federal government, the military, and the state administration to restore peace.

“This mission has renewed hope among our affected communities and reaffirms the commitment of our security forces to ensuring that no citizen is left in captivity,” Zulum stated.

The Governor further extended his appreciation to the leadership of the Armed Forces, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, for their gallantry and continued sacrifice.

Looking Ahead

While celebrating the breakthrough, Zulum reiterated that the state government remains steadfast in its support for the military, particularly in the provision of logistics to sustain ongoing operations.

Addressing the concerns of residents in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, the Governor offered assurances that efforts are actively underway to secure the release of other citizens, including abducted schoolchildren. He urged the public to maintain vigilance, cooperate with security agencies, and continue to provide the credible intelligence that makes such successful rescue operations possible.