Swathes of Helmand are controlled by Taliban fighting to overthrow the government in the capital, Kabul.
Late on Sunday night, special forces launched the raid in a village in the district of Nad Ali, after gathering intelligence that the Taliban were holding dozens of civilians and security personnel, security officials in Helmand said.
Four of those freed were policemen and the rest were civilians, the defense ministry said in a statement reported by the Associated Press.
American military officials estimate the Afghan government controls less than 60 percent of the country, with eight of 14 districts in Helmand under insurgent control or influence as a resurgent Taliban gains strength.
Afghan special forces freed more than 60 prisoners held by the Taliban in Helmand last May.