Despite the release of 360 abducted persons from Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Boko Haram insurgents are reportedly still holding dozens of teenage boys and girls in captivity.
The freed victims, mainly elderly men, women, and young children, regained their freedom on Sunday after months in captivity in the Mandara Mountains.
The victims were among more than 400 people abducted by Boko Haram fighters on March 3, 2026, in one of the largest mass kidnappings carried out by the insurgents in recent years.
Military Explains Rescue Operation
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), said the victims were rescued during a carefully planned military operation based on intelligence reports.
According to the Acting Spokesman of OPHK, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, troops conducted weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance before launching the operation.
He said special forces and Sector 1 troops carried out a coordinated attack, supported by real-time intelligence, which caught the insurgents by surprise.
Facing intense military pressure, several terrorists fled into nearby mountains while others surrendered. The hostages were secured, screened medically, and evacuated to safety.
However, two infants reportedly died from exhaustion caused by the harsh conditions they endured during captivity and evacuation.
The military described the mission as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations in the North-East in recent times.
Victims Give Different Account
Some of the freed captives told Daily Trust that they were released by the insurgents before being picked up by soldiers at the foot of the mountains.
One woman said the insurgents gathered them on Saturday night and asked whether they wanted to remain with them or return home. Most chose to return to their communities.
She claimed that while elderly people, women, and young children were allowed to leave, many teenage boys and girls were forced to remain behind.
Another victim estimated that more than 60 young men and women are still being held by the insurgents.
Sources Suggest Negotiations
Sources familiar with the situation claimed the release may have followed negotiations between authorities and the insurgents.
According to one source, security agencies were aware of the hostages’ location but delayed action due to concerns about civilian casualties.
The source also alleged that the captives were used as human shields during the negotiation process. However, there was no official confirmation of any ransom payment, prisoner exchange, or other agreement.
Families Celebrate Return of Loved Ones
The arrival of the rescued victims in Pulka was greeted with joy as relatives welcomed family members who had spent months in captivity.
Many families were emotional as they reunited with loved ones who appeared weak, exhausted, and traumatized.
One resident, Malam Nuhu, said he was overwhelmed with gratitude after his wife and brother returned safely.
Concerns Over Those Still Missing
While many celebrated, some families remained worried because their relatives were not among those released.
Several parents whose teenage daughters remain in captivity appealed to the government and military to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Security analyst Ahmed Ibrahim of Yobe State University warned that the continued detention of young men and women by insurgents poses serious risks.
According to him, young women are often forced into marriages, domestic labour, or used as human shields, while young men may be recruited and indoctrinated into terrorist activities.
BOSYA Confirms Release
The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, said all abductees from Ngoshe were released on Saturday night.
He revealed that four babies born during captivity died from infections, while their mothers are receiving medical treatment.
Kaigama praised humanitarian efforts and negotiations that contributed to the victims’ release and welcomed the return of the women and children.
The group also urged authorities to conduct proper screening and rehabilitation of the rescued victims.
Zulum, Ndume Applaud Military
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, commended the military for the successful operation, describing it as a major victory against insurgency.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, military leaders, and Operation Hadin Kai personnel for their efforts and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting security operations.
The governor also assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue schoolchildren abducted from Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, also praised the military, saying the operation demonstrated courage and patriotism.
He called for intensified efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity and urged government agencies to support the reconstruction of affected communities.
Recent Major Abductions in Borno State
• April 14, 2014 – Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
• April 2024 – Hundreds of internally displaced persons, mainly women and children gathering firewood, were abducted in Gambarou Ngala.
• March 2026 – More than 416 people, mostly women and children, were abducted from Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area.
• May 15, 2026 – Armed terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba LGA and abducted 42 schoolchildren.
