Over 200 Hostages Rescued from ADF Militants in Eastern DRC in Major Joint Operation

EPULU RIVER, DRC – In a significant victory against militant groups plaguing eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ugandan and Congolese forces have successfully rescued more than 200 civilians from an Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) stronghold. The joint military offensive, part of the ongoing "Operation Shujaa," targeted a key rebel camp in Ituri Province, dealing a substantial blow to the notorious group responsible for widespread violence and abductions in the region. The rescue, reported on April 19, 2026, marks one of the largest liberations of captives from the ADF in recent memory.

The Daring Rescue Operation Unfolds

The coordinated assault by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) took place west of River Epulu in Ituri Province. Military sources confirmed that the targeted encampment was a significant ADF stronghold, reportedly under the command of an elusive rebel leader known as Ssebagala, or "Mzee Mayor." During the operation, several ADF fighters were killed, and a cache of weapons was recovered, while sustained firepower overwhelmed the militant position, compelling others to flee. This allowed the more than 200 captives to either escape or be directly rescued by the advancing troops. Additional survivors later surrendered at various locations, including Lolwa, Kyndala Kundala, and Babungwe, further increasing the total number of individuals rescued.

The condition of many freed individuals reflected the harsh realities of their captivity. Survivors described severe deprivation, including food shortages, forced labor, and harsh punishments for non-compliance with rebel orders. Health officials attending to the group reported widespread cases of malaria, respiratory infections, and profound physical exhaustion, often linked to long-distance forced movements. Among those rescued was a 14-year-old girl, the youngest, and a 41-year-old, Kasereka Ndina, who expressed immense gratitude to the joint forces for renewing her hope of returning home. Overall Joint Commander of Operation Shujaa, Major General Stephen Mugerwa, assured the survivors that they were not being detained and would be handed over to local authorities for reintegration and family reunification, emphasizing that they were victims of abduction.

The Enduring Threat of the Allied Democratic Forces

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) originated as a Ugandan rebel group in 1995, initially seeking to overthrow the Ugandan government. Over time, the group relocated its primary operational base to eastern DRC, where it has become deeply embedded within the local landscape, transforming into one of the most dangerous armed entities in the region. In 2019, the ADF publicly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, and since then, it has been recognized as the Islamic State's Central Africa Province (ISCAP) or ISIS-DRC. The group follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law and aims to expand ISIS's self-proclaimed caliphate into Central Africa.

The ADF is notorious for its brutal tactics, which include indiscriminate killings, ambushes, and mass kidnappings against Congolese citizens, regional military forces, and UN personnel. Between 2014 and 2020 alone, ADF attacks were responsible for the deaths of approximately 4,000 civilians. In 2021, the group began deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in attacks within Uganda, demonstrating an evolving threat. Their activities have created a profound humanitarian crisis, leading to mass displacement and suffering. Despite repeated military offensives, the ADF has demonstrated remarkable resilience, largely due to its intact recruitment and financial networks, which include entanglement in the local economy through illicit financing and supply chains.

Operation Shujaa: A Campaign for Stability

The recent rescue operation is a testament to the intensified efforts under "Operation Shujaa," a joint military campaign launched in November 2021 by the UPDF and FARDC. The primary objective of this coordinated effort is to dismantle ADF networks and restore law and order in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC. Since its inception, Operation Shujaa has achieved several successes, including the capture of top commanders, destruction of ADF camps, and recovery of weapons and ammunition.

Prior to this large-scale liberation, joint forces had successfully rescued numerous smaller groups of hostages. In September 2024, 40 individuals, mostly women and children, were freed in Biakato, Ituri province. August 2024 saw the liberation of 43 hostages, including 16 women and 24 children, who were returned to civilian life. Another operation in July 2024 rescued 23 individuals, including 13 minors, near River Malibongo in Ituri Province. In early 2025, over 37 hostages, including women and children, were freed in Beni, North Kivu. In November 2024, the DRC military alone rescued 118 hostages in Ituri. Earlier in April 2026, 138 abductees were liberated following an attack on an ADF camp near River Epulu, also under the command of Meya Ssebagala. These ongoing operations have reportedly weakened the ADF's operational capacity, leading to gradual signs of stability, including improved civilian movement, the return of displaced families, reopening of schools, and renewed cross-border trade between Uganda and the DRC. Military commanders have reiterated their commitment to continue operations until the ADF threat is completely eliminated.

The Complex Landscape of Eastern DRC

Eastern DRC remains a volatile region, grappling with a multitude of armed groups, exacerbating an already fragile security situation. The presence of other groups, such as the M23 rebellion, further complicates the dynamics, at times creating security vacuums that the ADF exploits to expand its operations. The ADF, which was initially concentrated in North Kivu's Beni territory, has gradually moved northward into Ituri province, with a notable escalation in its activities since 2021.

The challenges to achieving long-term stability in the region are multifaceted, including logistical gaps, low troop morale, and issues with intelligence sharing and coordination that have historically hampered counter-insurgency efforts. The broader humanitarian crisis, characterized by widespread displacement and a persistent struggle for basic necessities, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained interventions. The joint operations, like the recent rescue, offer glimmers of hope amidst this complex landscape, demonstrating that coordinated military pressure can yield tangible results in protecting civilians and pushing back against extremist groups.

A Step Towards Lasting Peace

The rescue of over 200 hostages is a profound achievement for the joint Ugandan and Congolese forces, bringing relief and renewed hope to many families. It underscores the critical importance of regional cooperation in combating transnational threats like the ADF. While this operation represents a significant success in degrading the militant group's capabilities and liberating its victims, the path to lasting peace in eastern DRC remains arduous.

The ongoing commitment of the UPDF and FARDC to Operation Shujaa is vital. However, sustained pressure, coupled with efforts to address the underlying socio-economic factors that fuel militancy, will be essential for ensuring long-term stability and security for the affected populations. The international community continues to monitor the situation, recognizing that the humanitarian and security challenges in eastern DRC demand a comprehensive and unwavering response. The freed individuals now face the daunting task of reintegration and rebuilding their lives, a process that will require extensive support from both local authorities and humanitarian organizations.