The Nigerian Army has rescued 360 people held captive by Boko Haram insurgents during a major military operation in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State, marking one of the largest rescue missions in the region in recent months.
Military authorities said the operation was carried out by troops conducting sustained offensives against terrorist hideouts in the rugged mountainous terrain along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. The rescued victims, comprising women, children, and elderly persons, had reportedly been held by the insurgents for varying periods.
According to military sources, the operation involved coordinated ground assaults and intelligence-driven raids targeting Boko Haram camps in remote areas of the Mandara Mountains. Troops successfully overran several terrorist enclaves, forcing the insurgents to flee and leaving behind dozens of captives who were subsequently freed.
The rescued individuals were immediately screened by security personnel and provided with medical attention, food, and other humanitarian assistance. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to reunite the victims with their families and communities.
Military officials described the rescue as a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East. They noted that continued pressure on insurgent strongholds has weakened the operational capacity of Boko Haram and its splinter groups, leading to increased surrenders and successful rescue operations.
Residents and community leaders have welcomed the development, expressing relief over the safe return of the abductees. Humanitarian organizations have also emphasized the need for continued support and rehabilitation programmes to help survivors recover from the trauma of captivity.
Despite recent successes by security forces, challenges remain in parts of Borno State where insurgent groups continue to carry out sporadic attacks. Security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining military operations aimed at eliminating terrorist threats and restoring lasting peace to the region.
The latest rescue operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to protect civilians and dismantle insurgent networks that have plagued the North-East for more than a decade.
