Troops foil Boko Haram attack, rescue 16-year-old girl forced into marriage by terrorist commander and 8 other captives in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted terrorist attack and successfully rescued nine captives, including women and children, in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State.

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The operation was carried out by troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in Ngoshe, as part of ongoing offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the troops had earlier conducted a successful rescue mission in the Mandara Mountains, freeing nine captives held by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

However, at about 10:20 a.m. on April 22, an unconfirmed number of terrorists launched a follow-up attack from the Gava axis in an apparent attempt to re-abduct the rescued victims.

The troops responded with what was described as disciplined and coordinated firepower, decisively repelling the attackers and foiling their attempt.

Military authorities said the swift response ensured the safety of the rescued captives, preventing a potential reversal of the successful rescue operation.

Preliminary investigations further revealed that one of the rescued victims, a 16-year-old girl identified as Aisha Abubakar, had been forced into marriage by a terrorist commander known as Dabbaba.

The suspect was reportedly formerly in Ngoshe and later returned to terrorist ranks in the Mandara Mountains.

All rescued individuals were administered first aid and are currently in the custody of the troops  for further care and debriefing.

Sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational effectiveness.

The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, rescuing hostages, and denying terrorists elements freedom of action in the North East.