Nigerian Army Says 360 Boko Haram Captives Rescued in Borno State
Nigerian Army Says 360 Boko Haram Captives Rescued in Borno State
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The Nigerian army says it has rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in the country’s northeastern Borno State, in an operation carried out in the Mandara mountains, a known stronghold of the armed group.
According to the military, troops moved into the mountainous area in southern Borno where the captives were being held under harsh conditions. Army spokesperson Haruna Sani said two infants died from exhaustion linked to the difficult terrain and the conditions they endured while in captivity.
The remaining rescued people were evacuated to safe locations for medical treatment and humanitarian assistance, the army said, describing the operation as a major success against Boko Haram.
The military said it used intelligence gathering and psychological operations before launching the assault. Some Boko Haram fighters reportedly fled into surrounding mountains, while others surrendered, though the army did not clarify whether arrests were completed.
Local sources confirmed the release but said the number of freed captives may have exceeded 400. Boko Haram had reportedly demanded millions of naira in ransom.
Borno State remains the center of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency involving Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced at least two million people.
