Nigerian Army rescues 360 Boko Haram hostages

The Nigerian Army says it has freed 360 people who were abducted earlier this year by the Boko Haram insurgent group in the country’s northeast.

According to a military statement released on Sunday, the rescue operation took place in a Boko Haram stronghold located in the southern part of Borno State. Troops reportedly stormed the Mandara Mountains, where the militants were holding hundreds of captives “under harsh conditions.”

Army spokesperson Haruna Sani said two infants died due to exhaustion caused by the difficult mountainous terrain and the severe conditions they endured while in captivity.

He added that the remaining rescued victims were transported to safer locations to receive medical attention and humanitarian assistance, describing the operation as a major success and a significant blow to the insurgents.

The military further explained that intelligence gathering and psychological operations were used to create distrust among the fighters before launching the final assault.

During the operation, some Boko Haram members reportedly fled into nearby hills, while others surrendered, although the army did not confirm if any arrests were made.

A local youth leader and a senator from Borno State also confirmed the rescue to AFP on Saturday, though they indicated that the number of freed captives may exceed 400.

The group had reportedly demanded millions of naira in ransom for the abductees.

Borno State remains the centre of militant activity in northeastern Nigeria, where insecurity has worsened since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009.

The group continues to carry out kidnappings and, according to SBM Intelligence, has collected about $1.66 million in ransom payments between July 2024 and June 2025.

In response, Nigerian forces have intensified operations against Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Authorities recently reported that a joint operation with the United States killed 175 ISWAP fighters, while earlier announcements also confirmed the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIL’s deputy leader.

The prolonged conflict involving Boko Haram and other armed groups has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced over two million residents.