Troops rescue 360 abducted women, children from Boko Haram in Borno

No fewer than 360 abductees, including women and children, have been rescued from a Boko Haram enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.

The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Sunday.

According to the military, the victims, who were abducted from several communities, particularly around the Ngoshe axis, regained their freedom during an intelligence-led operation carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1.

The statement said the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, which enabled troops to identify the location of the hostages and launch a coordinated assault on the insurgents’ hideout.

Several terrorists fled upon sighting the advancing troops, while others surrendered as the forces secured the area and rescued the captives.

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The freed victims were evacuated to safe locations, where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support.

The military, however, said two infants died from exhaustion caused by the harsh conditions they endured in captivity and the difficult terrain encountered during the evacuation.

It added that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down fleeing insurgents, dismantle their support networks, and prevent further abductions.

The military high command commended the troops involved in the operation and reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the North-East.