Army rescues abducted victims in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued six abducted civilians in Borno State, in what authorities are describing as another breakthrough in the ongoing war against insurgency in the North-East.

The victims, mostly women and children, were freed during an operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Joint Task Force spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the rescue took place in the early hours of May 1 around Amuda — a deserted corridor between Ngoshe and Gava notorious for terrorist activities.

The army said the victims were intercepted while troops were returning from an overnight offensive targeting insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.

Preliminary findings revealed that the victims had been abducted during the March 3 attack on Ngoshe and were held captive in Gava before managing to escape.

However, their freedom did not come easily.
Troops reportedly came under sporadic gunfire from fleeing terrorists attempting to recapture the victims.

“The troops responded decisively, engaging the terrorists in a brief exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw into the mountainous terrain,” the statement said.
Following the encounter, the rescued civilians were given immediate medical attention at a military facility before being reunited with their families the same day.

The military added that the operation forms part of intensified offensives that have significantly weakened terrorist networks in the region, with intelligence reports pointing to growing disarray within insurgent ranks.

Authorities insist the pressure will not be eased, vowing sustained operations to rescue more captives, secure communities, and eliminate remaining terrorist elements across the North-East.The latest rescue underscores the fragile security situation in Borno, even as military authorities push a narrative of steady gains against insurgents who continue to launch attacks and abductions in vulnerable communities.