A series of operations by the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency campaign has led to the return of dozens of abductees to their families and communities. Operation Hadin Kai, which means co-operation or unity in Hausa, has been an ongoing military campaign against Boko Haram and other armed groups in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. Two recent victories are cause for praise and thanksgiving, even as further incidences of insurgent activity continue.
Weeks to Never Forget
After 66 days in captivity, just over a dozen abducted individuals have been freed. According to Arise News, one person died in captivity and 14 others were released on 02 July 2026 to reunite with their families and receive medical care.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji visited the home of the 82-year old victim, Mrs Rachael Aina Olomi, who died in captivity, to commiserate with the family, urging them to take solace in the fact that the deceased served God to the end of her life.
The kidnapping incident took place on 28 April, 2026 when gun-wielding insurgents invaded an open church crusade being held in Eda Oniyo and kidnapped 15 worshippers. The presiding pastor was shot and died on the spot.
Sahara Reporter recounts that the abductors had demanded huge ransoms. However they continued to hold the worshippers captive despite receiving millions of naira from their community. “Although the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5 million alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity, prompting protests by residents and a resolution by the House of Representatives calling for their immediate rescue.”
In a statement issued a few days after the rescue, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, disclosed that the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State.
Some captives back at home
In a seperate operation, an article in Busines Day Nigeria reveals that six additional abducted persons have been rescued. Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have freed six abducted persons; four adults and two infants. The military said the latest breakthrough followed sustained air and ground operations backed by credible intelligence, leading to the successful rescue of the victims at Talakawa in Chibok Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the rescue followed sustained air and ground exploitation supported by credible intelligence.
He explained that the victims, who were abducted in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area in May, had been rescued and evacuated to a secure location, where they are undergoing comprehensive medical evaluation and receiving appropriate care. Captain Goni said: “Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North-east), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), wishes to inform the public that troops have recorded another significant breakthrough in the ongoing search and rescue operation to recover the abducted students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.”
Meanwhile, the identities of the students abducted have been confirmed. Documents obtained by SaharaReporters from the school, show that the missing students comprise 25 female and 11 male candidates who were writing the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination when the terrorists stormed. School authorities have confirmed that 36 candidates remain in captivity.
