The Nigerian Army has rescued six abducted civilians, including women and children, during a counter-terrorism operation in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the victims were recovered in the early hours of May 1, 2026, around Amuda, an area known for terrorist activity between Ngoshe and Gava.

Military authorities said the rescue followed sustained offensives, including recent airstrikes targeting insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.

The rescued civilians were reportedly intercepted while troops were returning from an overnight operation. Preliminary findings indicate they had been abducted during a March 3, 2026, attack on Ngoshe and had been held in captivity in Gava before managing to escape.

Troops reportedly came under fire during the rescue attempt as fleeing insurgents tried to recapture the victims, but soldiers repelled the attack after a brief exchange, forcing the assailants to withdraw into nearby mountainous terrain.

The army said the rescued victims received medical attention before being reunited with their families through community leaders.

It added that ongoing military operations have continued to put pressure on insurgent groups, disrupting their movements and weakening their operational capacity across the region.