Army Rescues 360 Abducted Women, Children in Borno

By Tgnews Reporter

The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who were abducted by terrorists from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The rescue operation was carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with Special Operations Forces during a coordinated offensive across multiple fronts around the Mandara Mountains on June 6.

The Theatre Commander of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, disclosed that the operation followed a series of strategic missions by Special Operations Forces, which disrupted terrorist camps and created the opportunity for troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade to safely extract the captives.

According to the commander, the rescued civilians were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.

He, however, revealed that the operation recorded a tragic loss as two infants died during the evacuation process due to the harsh terrain and difficult conditions encountered while transporting the victims to safety.

General Abubakar stated that all rescued persons underwent immediate medical screening upon arrival. Those requiring urgent medical attention were stabilized by military medical personnel before being transferred to the General Hospital in Gwoza for further treatment.

He added that the victims were provided with food, water, and temporary shelter while arrangements were being made for their handover to relevant authorities and eventual reunification with their families.

Meanwhile, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, also confirmed the release of the abductees. He said the alliance played a mediation role in facilitating communication and negotiations that contributed to securing the victims’ freedom.

Kaigama described the development as a major relief for families who had endured months of uncertainty and anxiety over the fate of their loved ones.

He called on the Federal Government, Borno State Government, and relevant agencies to conduct thorough screening, documentation, and rehabilitation of the rescued victims to support their reintegration into society.

The latest rescue operation is being hailed as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and secure communities affected by terrorist activities in the North-East.

Residents and community leaders have welcomed the development and expressed hope that sustained military operations will lead to the rescue of other captives still being held by insurgent groups across the region.