Nigerian Army Rescues 360 Boko Haram Captives in Major Borno Operation
The Nigerian Army has announced the rescue of 360 people who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents earlier this year in Borno State, following a major operation in one of the group’s strongholds.
According to the military, troops carried out the rescue mission in the Mandara Mountains, a rugged area in southern Borno known to serve as a hideout for Boko Haram fighters. The operation targeted locations where hundreds of captives were reportedly being held under difficult and inhumane conditions.
Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, said the operation was based on intelligence gathering and strategic psychological tactics designed to weaken the insurgents from within before troops launched the final assault.
He disclosed that while the majority of the captives were successfully rescued, two infants died from exhaustion during the difficult journey out of the mountainous terrain after enduring months in captivity.
“The remaining rescued victims have been evacuated to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support,” Sani stated.
The military described the mission as a significant victory against Boko Haram and a major setback for the terrorist group.
Reports indicate that several insurgents fled into surrounding areas during the operation, while others surrendered to troops. However, the military did not provide details on the number of arrests made.
Local sources in Borno State suggested that the number of rescued victims could be higher than the official figure released by the military, with some estimates placing it above 400.
The captives were reportedly abducted earlier this year, and Boko Haram had demanded millions of naira as ransom for their release.
The rescue comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have continued to fuel insecurity in the North-East.
In recent months, the military has intensified operations against terrorist groups in the region. Authorities recently announced the killing of scores of ISWAP fighters during joint operations, while senior terrorist commanders have also been targeted.
Borno State remains the epicentre of the insurgency that began in 2009 and has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people, and left many communities devastated.
Security experts say the latest rescue operation demonstrates progress in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, though they warn that challenges remain as armed groups continue to operate across parts of the region.
