By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian military has rescued 360 persons held captive by Boko Haram insurgents during a major operation in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, marking one of the largest recent rescue efforts against the terrorist group.
The victims were reportedly freed during a military operation conducted in the Mandara Mountains, a rugged terrain along Nigeria’s northeastern border that has long served as a stronghold for Boko Haram fighters. Military authorities said the operation dealt a significant blow to the insurgents’ activities in the area.
According to the military, the rescued individuals endured severe hardships during their captivity. Army spokesperson Haruna Sani disclosed that two infants died from exhaustion while being moved through the difficult mountainous terrain after spending a prolonged period in captivity.
“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group,” Sani said.
The rescued victims have since been taken to secure facilities where they are receiving medical attention, psychological support and other humanitarian assistance.
The operation comes as Nigerian security forces intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the country’s northeast. Borno State remains the epicentre of the insurgency that has plagued the region for more than a decade, leaving thousands dead and forcing millions from their homes.
The security crisis has been driven largely by Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have carried out deadly attacks on military formations and civilian communities. Despite sustained military offensives, the groups continue to pose security challenges across parts of the Lake Chad region.
Last month, Nigerian authorities announced that a joint operation involving Nigerian and United States forces eliminated 175 ISWAP fighters, underscoring ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries.
However, security analysts say the insurgency remains a major concern despite repeated assurances from President Bola Tinubu’s administration that it is making progress in restoring peace to affected communities. The persistent threat of attacks, abductions and displacement has continued to test the government’s security strategy in the region.
The latest rescue operation is expected to bring relief to families of the victims while highlighting the continuing efforts of the military to recover civilians trapped by insurgent groups in northeastern Nigeria.
