Nigerian Army Rescues 360 Boko Haram Captives in Borno Operation

Nigeria’s military has rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram during an operation in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State. Two infants died from exhaustion during the evacuation, while the remaining victims were taken to safety for medical care and support. The rescue comes as Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, despite ongoing military operations aimed at improving security in the region.

Nigeria’s military says it has rescued 360 people who were abducted by Boko Haram during an operation in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State, a region long regarded as one of the insurgent group’s strongholds.
According to army spokesperson Haruna Sani, the rescue mission successfully freed the captives and dealt a significant blow to the militant group. However, the operation was marked by tragedy, as two infants reportedly died from exhaustion after enduring the harsh conditions of prolonged captivity and the difficult mountainous terrain during the evacuation.
The remaining rescued individuals were taken to safe locations, where they are receiving medical treatment and humanitarian assistance. Military authorities described the operation as a major success in ongoing efforts to weaken Boko Haram and secure vulnerable communities in northeastern Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security crisis, particularly in the northern region, where insurgency, banditry, and mass kidnappings have persisted for more than a decade. Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), remain among the most active extremist groups in the region.
The government has intensified military operations against the insurgents, including joint efforts with the United States. Nigerian authorities recently reported that a combined operation with U.S. support resulted in the killing of 175 ISWAP fighters. Despite these gains, attacks by armed groups continue to claim lives, destroy communities, and force millions of people from their homes.
Security analysts argue that while military operations have achieved some successes, more comprehensive measures are needed to protect civilians and address the root causes of insecurity. The ongoing violence remains one of the biggest challenges facing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite repeated commitments to improve security across the country.