Nigerian troops have rescued at least 47 people, mainly women and children, who were being held captive by militants of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a military operation in the northeastern state of Borno.
The rescue was announced on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, following sustained military operations in Kangarwa, a town in Kukawa Local Government Area believed to serve as an ISWAP stronghold within the Lake Chad region.
According to a statement from the Nigerian military, the operation formed part of an intensified campaign targeting ISWAP enclaves across northeastern Nigeria. Coordinated ground and air assaults reportedly forced the militants to abandon their positions, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape after enduring prolonged periods of detention.
The military did not disclose the exact date of the operation but described it as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
All 47 rescued individuals have been moved to a secure location, where they are receiving medical care and support. Authorities said arrangements are also being made to provide humanitarian assistance and reunite the victims with their families.
The latest rescue underscores the Nigerian military’s continued offensive against extremist groups in the Lake Chad Basin, a region that has faced years of insurgency-related violence and displacement.