Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have cleared a roadblock set up by JAS/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, freeing 53 civilians and recovering eight vehicles.

The development came as the Nigerian Army finalized plans to recruit and train an extra 28,000 personnel to boost its capacity, and as Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to deeper defence cooperation with the United Kingdom.

According to a statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation on June 24 was launched after surveillance cameras detected the insurgents blocking the highway. A Quick Reaction Force pursued them towards the Mangari-Dora area and engaged them in a firefight, forcing a disorderly retreat. The rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were evacuated to Buratai town, with the freed captives undergoing documentation and medical checks.

Speaking ahead of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day celebration, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by Major General Bamidele Alabi, said the service would keep operating within the rules of engagement and international humanitarian law. He said a new training depot at Amasiri Edda would help deliver the planned 28,000 recruits, alongside new brigades, modern platforms and a “Soldier-First” welfare culture.

Separately, Defence Minister Christopher Musa received UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in Abuja for the fourth UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue. The two agreed to review existing agreements to modernize security protocols, expand technical training and strengthen capacity building, with the dialogue co-chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.