The Nigerian Army says it has rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram during a military operation in southern Borno State, in the country’s northeast.
According to an army statement issued on Sunday, June 7, the operation took place in the Mandara Mountains, an area regarded as a stronghold of the militant group.
Those freed included women and children who were reportedly taken from multiple communities across the region. Military spokesperson Haruna Sani said the rescued individuals were evacuated to safe locations where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support. He further disclosed that two infants died during the ordeal, saying they “succumbed to exhaustion” due to the difficult terrain and conditions endured during captivity.
The rescue is being described by the army as a significant operational breakthrough against Boko Haram, one of the main insurgent groups operating in Nigeria’s northeast alongside the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The region has faced over a decade of violent insurgency, with mass kidnappings, attacks on security forces and widespread displacement of civilians continuing to strain national security efforts.