Nigerian troops have rescued 31 civilians after thwarting an attempted mass abduction along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue was carried out on July 31, 2026 by soldiers of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI, the military said.

According to a statement, troops using real-time surveillance detected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters intercepting four civilian vehicles and taking the occupants hostage around 3:45 p.m.

A Quick Response Force was immediately deployed. The soldiers trailed the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora area, engaged them, and forced them to abandon the captives and vehicles before fleeing into the bush.

All 31 civilians were rescued unharmed. The four vehicles were also recovered intact, along with motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing fighters.

After the rescue, troops secured the area and conducted further patrols to prevent regrouping. The victims were later escorted to Buratai, where they retrieved their vehicles and continued their journeys.

The military said the operation highlights the impact of intelligence-led missions in protecting civilians and disrupting terrorist movements. 

It added that Operation HADIN KAI will sustain aggressive operations to clear remnants of insurgents and secure major roads in the North East.