Troops Rescue 53 Civilians After Destroying Boko Haram Roadblock

According to Ireporter Online, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully rescued 53 civilians following the disruption of a roadblock reportedly mounted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources revealed that the operation took place at about 3:45 p.m. on June 24 after personnel of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, deployed at Echo 1 in Dutse Kura, detected suspicious activity through a Closed-Circuit Television surveillance system.

The terrorists were said to have blocked the Buratai–Kamuya axis when they were spotted by troops, prompting the immediate deployment of a Quick Response Force to the area. Upon arrival, the soldiers engaged the fleeing insurgents in a gun battle around the Mangari–Dora axis, forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat under sustained fire.

The operation led to the safe rescue of 53 civilians, including 48 adults and five children. Among the adults were 20 men and 28 women. Security forces also recovered eight vehicles that were abandoned during the incident.

Following the rescue, troops advanced approximately 10 kilometres along the insurgents’ escape route, carrying out clearance operations to ensure the area was safe for civilian movement. Military authorities confirmed that no further contact was made with the fleeing terrorists.

The rescued persons and recovered vehicles were escorted back to Buratai, from where the civilians continued their respective journeys without incident. Officials further confirmed that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded during the operation.

The development, according to military sources, highlights the ongoing efforts of Operation HADIN KAI to secure major highways, protect civilians, and deny insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East region. They also noted that although the security situation remains relatively stable, troops continue to maintain a high level of alertness due to the unpredictable tactics of insurgent groups.