Nigerian Army troops have rescued hundreds of civilians abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
The rescue operation was carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with Special Operations Forces during a coordinated military mission around the Mandara Mountains on June 6. The Theatre Commander of the North East Joint Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, said the operation led to the successful rescue of 360 civilians, most of them women and children.
According to the commander, the victims were among residents kidnapped during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. He explained that Special Operations Forces first conducted preliminary missions that disrupted terrorist camps, creating the opportunity for troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade to safely extract the captives.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar, however, disclosed that the operation recorded a tragic setback, as two infants died during the rescue due to the harsh terrain encountered while moving the victims to safety. He described the rescue as a major success despite the unfortunate loss.
He said all rescued persons underwent immediate medical screening upon arrival. Those requiring urgent medical attention were stabilised by military medical personnel and later admitted to the General Hospital in Gwoza for treatment.
The commander added that the victims were provided with food and water before being moved to a secure facility pending their handover to the appropriate authorities and reunification with their families.
Meanwhile, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, also confirmed the release of the abductees. He stated that the alliance played a mediatory role through sustained communication and negotiations with the insurgents.
Kaigama said the group secured the release of 416 women and children from Ngoshe, noting that they were freed on June 6. He expressed gratitude over the development and said persistent efforts, appeals, and discussions contributed to the positive outcome.
He called on the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and relevant authorities to conduct proper screening and documentation of the victims to support their reintegration and wellbeing.
BOSYA had earlier disclosed that it maintained communication with the insurgents after the abductees were reportedly shown in captivity. The alliance has since served as an intermediary between the victims’ families and the abductors.