More than 360 people abducted by Boko Haram insurgents from a predominantly Muslim community in Borno State have regained their freedom after months in captivity at a remote mountain hideout in north-eastern Nigeria.
The victims were kidnapped in March from communities around Ngoshe, near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. While authorities confirmed their release, differing accounts have emerged regarding how the operation unfolded.
The Nigerian military said the hostages were rescued during a carefully planned intelligence-led operation targeting a Boko Haram stronghold in the Mandara Mountains. According to the military, the operation had been in preparation for several weeks and caught the insurgents off guard.
However, a local advocacy group, the Borno South Youth Initiative, claimed it played a key role in negotiating the unconditional release of the captives and put the number of those freed at 416.
Military spokesperson Lt-Col Haruna M. Sani described the raid on the insurgents’ hideout as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions carried out in the region.
“Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered,” he said.
Following their release, the former hostages were gathered at a secure location where they underwent medical assessments and received humanitarian support.
According to Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, the rescued victims are receiving medical attention. However, he disclosed that two infants lost their lives due to the harsh conditions they endured while in captivity.
“Sadly, two infants died due to exhaustion from prolonged captivity and harsh terrain,” Bwala wrote on X.
The release comes at a time when the Federal Government continues to face criticism over rising insecurity and frequent kidnappings across different parts of the country.
The abductees were taken during a Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe and surrounding communities in March. Reports indicated that the assault occurred while residents were observing Ramadan and breaking their fast.
Speaking to journalists, Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (Bosaya), said his organisation had been actively involved in efforts to secure the victims’ release and had maintained communication with the insurgents throughout the process.
In a video shared on social media, Kaigama criticized individuals he described as “government boys” for attempting to take credit for the release.
Following the operation, the military released photos and videos showing the freed captives resting under trees overnight while arrangements were made for their care and transportation.
Local authorities also assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the affected communities and enable displaced victims to safely return to their farms and homes.
Officials added that some of the kidnapped persons were believed to have crossed into neighbouring Cameroon during the period of captivity, and discussions were underway to facilitate their safe return.
Boko Haram launched its insurgency in northern Nigeria in 2009 with the aim of establishing Islamic rule. Although the group has lost control of much of the territory it once held, it remains active alongside other extremist factions operating across the region.
Nigeria continues to battle multiple security threats, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, communal conflicts, and separatist violence.
Earlier this year, a small contingent of United States military personnel was deployed to Nigeria to support intelligence gathering and provide training to Nigerian security forces as part of efforts to strengthen counterterrorism operations.
Last month, Nigerian and U.S. authorities also announced the successful elimination of a senior leader of the Islamic State (IS) during a joint security operation.
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