Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadin Kai, working with Special Operations Forces, have rescued 360 civilians, mostly women and children, abducted by terrorists from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of the North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the rescue followed a coordinated operation around the Mandara Mountains on June 6.
He said Special Operations Forces first carried out missions that disrupted terrorist camps, allowing troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade to safely recover the captives.
“The rescued civilians were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.
“However, the operation recorded a tragic setback as two infants died during the rescue effort due to the harsh and difficult terrain encountered while moving the victims to safety,” he said.
Abubakar said all rescued victims received medical screening on arrival. Those needing urgent care were stabilised by brigade medical personnel and admitted to the General Hospital in Gwoza.
“The victims were also provided with food and water before being moved to a secure holding facility pending their handover to relevant authorities and reunification with their families,” he said.
The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, also confirmed the victims’ release.
“We have secured the release of all the 416 women and children from Ngoshe. They were released on June 6,” he said.
Kaigama said the alliance helped secure the release through sustained communication and negotiations. He urged authorities to screen and document the victims to support their reintegration and wellbeing.
BOSYA had earlier said it remained in contact with the insurgents after the abductees were reportedly displayed in captivity and has acted as an intermediary between families and the abductors.
