Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation, carried out on June 20, 2026, followed sustained offensive operations by OPHK troops against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region. According to military authorities, the combined ground and air assaults mounted intense pressure on the insurgents, forcing them to abandon their positions and creating an opportunity for the captives to escape from prolonged captivity.
The rescued victims have since been moved to a secure location, where they are receiving medical attention and other humanitarian assistance. Relevant agencies are also working to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Military authorities described the operation as another major humanitarian success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East, emphasizing that efforts remain focused on both dismantling terrorist networks and securing the freedom of civilians held by insurgent groups.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against ISWAP and other terrorist elements, with the goal of restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.
Source:Captain Mohammed GoniActing Military Information OfficerHeadquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAIJune 22, 2026
