The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

The military said the victims were freed during a successful operation conducted in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, following sustained offensives against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Military Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Musa, described the development as a major humanitarian success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.

“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 20 June 2026,” Musa said.

According to the military, the rescue was made possible through sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves across the Lake Chad axis. Ground and air operations reportedly weakened the insurgents’ positions and forced them to abandon their camps, creating an opportunity for the captives to regain their freedom.

“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,” the statement added.

Military authorities said the rescued civilians have been moved to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance. The support is being coordinated with relevant agencies to facilitate their recovery and eventual reintegration into society.

“They are currently receiving medical care from medical professionals at a secure location, and necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” Musa stated.

The military reiterated that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to not only degrading the operational capacity of terrorist groups but also securing the release of civilians held against their will.

The Theatre Command further reaffirmed its determination to sustain offensive operations against insurgent groups operating in the North-East, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks, and restore lasting peace and stability across the region.

The latest rescue operation adds to a series of recent military successes against terrorist groups in the North-East, where security forces have intensified operations aimed at weakening insurgent strongholds, rescuing hostages, and improving security in affected communities.