Troops rescue 12 kidnap victims in assault on Borno’s Mandara mountains

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigerian Army troops have rescued seven women and five children from Boko Haram captivity in a a daring operation conducted at the difficult terrain of the Mandara Mountains in Borno State.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI assisted by allied security operatives rescued the kidnapped victims in what is being described as remarkable display of courage and compassion on Sunday, 31 November.

The victims were abducted on 14 November while on transit along the Gwoza Limankara road of Borno State, the Army said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the victims regained their freedom following a daring clearance mission conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY IV and Diligent Search by the troops.

“Led by the vigilant 26 Task Force Brigade, with support from Hybrid Forces, Hunters and vigilantes, the troops launched a pre-dawn assault through the rugged mountain foothills toward Uvaha. The sheer intensity of troop firepower forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.

“Amid the chaos, the terrified victims scattered into the surrounding bushes, disoriented and exhausted from days in captivity. At about 8:45 a.m., they were safely recovered by troops who had continued searching the area to ensure no one was left behind,” the statement indicated.

The Army listed those rescued to include Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children.

“Many were visibly tired after trekking long distances when their abductors fled under fire. The troops immediately evacuated them to the brigade field ambulance, where they received urgent medical care for blisters, injuries, and the effects of beatings endured in captivity.

“After treatment and meals, they were formally handed over to the representative of the Chairman, Gwoza Local Government Area, for reunification with their families,” the statement by the Nigerian Army stated.

“The military high command has praised the bravery, speed, and professionalism of the troops, acknowledging the vital contributions of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely intelligence made the rescue possible.

“Troops remain in active pursuit of ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further atrocities and ensure the safety of all civilians,” the statement added.