The Nigerian military says it has rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram during a major operation in Borno State, dealing a significant blow to the armed group’s activities in the northeast.
According to the army, troops launched an assault on a Boko Haram hideout in the Mandara Mountains after gathering intelligence and carrying out psychological operations aimed at weakening the group from within. The operation led to the release of hundreds of captives who had reportedly been held in harsh conditions.
Military spokesperson Haruna Sani said two infants died from exhaustion during the rescue due to the difficult terrain and conditions endured in captivity. The remaining victims were evacuated to safe locations where they are receiving medical treatment and humanitarian assistance.
The army said several Boko Haram fighters fled into nearby mountains, while others surrendered during the operation. Authorities did not disclose whether any arrests were made.
Local officials, including a Borno senator and a youth leader, confirmed the rescue and suggested that more than 400 people may have been freed. Reports indicate that Boko Haram had demanded millions of Naira in ransom for the captives.
Borno remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency, which began in 2009 and has killed thousands of people while displacing millions. The rescue comes as Nigerian security forces intensify operations against Boko Haram and its rival faction, the ISIL-linked ISWAP, in an effort to curb insecurity across the region.#newsafro_
