Nigerian Army Rescues 360 Boko Haram Abductees in Major Borno Operation

Nigerian Army Rescues 360 Boko Haram Abductees in Major Borno Operation

The Nigerian Army has rescued 360 people who were being held by Boko Haram militants in a major operation carried out in Borno State, marking one of the largest hostage recoveries recorded in recent months.

The operation took place in the Mandara Mountains, a rugged region along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon that has served as a long-standing hideout for Boko Haram fighters. Among those rescued were women, children, and other civilians who had spent months in captivity under difficult conditions.

Military authorities described the mission as a significant success in the ongoing campaign against insurgent groups operating in northeastern Nigeria. Following the rescue, security personnel moved the victims to safe locations where they began receiving medical attention and humanitarian support.

Operation Focused on Militant Hideouts

The rescue mission was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and careful planning by troops under Operation Hadin Kai. Acting on credible information, security forces launched a coordinated operation targeting Boko Haram positions in the Mandara Mountains.

Military officials said the offensive disrupted militant activities in the area and weakened the group’s presence in one of its most important strongholds. Reports suggest that several insurgents abandoned their positions as troops advanced, while others reportedly surrendered during the operation.

The success of the mission reflects the military’s continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and improve security across communities affected by insurgency.

Tragedy During Evacuation

Despite the successful rescue, military authorities confirmed that two infants died during the evacuation process.

According to officials, the children had suffered severe exhaustion after enduring prolonged captivity and the difficult conditions of the mountainous terrain. Medical personnel provided emergency care to rescued victims immediately after they were brought to secure locations, but the infants did not survive.

The military expressed condolences to the affected families and reaffirmed its commitment to providing support for all those rescued during the operation.

Nigeria’s Ongoing Fight Against Insurgency

The rescue highlights both the gains and the continuing challenges in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism in the northeast.

For more than a decade, Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have carried out deadly attacks, kidnappings, and bombings across several northern states. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people from their homes.

Although security forces have recorded notable victories against insurgent groups in recent months, attacks and abductions remain a serious threat in parts of the region.

Renewed Hope for Families

The rescue has brought relief to many families who had lost contact with loved ones during attacks on communities in Borno State.

Community leaders and humanitarian organisations welcomed the development and commended the efforts of the security personnel involved in the operation. Many believe the successful mission represents another important step toward weakening Boko Haram’s influence and restoring stability to affected communities.

While security challenges persist, the rescue of 360 abductees offers renewed hope to countless families still searching for relatives held by terrorist groups across northeastern Nigeria.

Source: Africanews

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