Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 persons, seven women and five children, abducted by Boko Haram fighters along the Gwoza–Limankara Road in Borno State. The victims were kidnapped on November 14.
According to a statement posted on the Army’s X handle on Tuesday, the captives were freed on Sunday, during a clearance operation in the Mandara Mountains under Operation Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search.
The operation, led by the 26 Task Force Brigade with support from hybrid forces, hunters and vigilantes, forced the insurgents to flee and abandon the captives. The Army said the victims initially scattered into nearby bushes during the exchange of gunfire but were later found during a sweep of the area and recovered at about 8:45 a.m.
Those rescued include Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa and Hadiza Hamman, along with five children. Many were reportedly exhausted and injured after being forced to trek long distances.
The victims were taken to the brigade field ambulance for medical attention before being handed over to officials of the Gwoza Local Government Area for reunification with their families.
The Army said troops are continuing operations to track remaining Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across southern Borno.