Troops of the Nigerian Army with the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have reportedly rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the victims were rescued following sustained offensive operations by troops against ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
He said in a statement on Tuesday that the rescue was made possible through aggressive ground and air assaults that forced the terrorists to abandon their positions, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape from prolonged detention.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, 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.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” Goni said.
The military spokesman added that the rescued persons are currently receiving medical attention at a secure location, while arrangements are being made to provide them with the necessary humanitarian assistance.