Nigerian Army Rescues 360 Boko Haram Captives in Major Borno Operation

The Nigerian Army has rescued 360 people who were being held captive by Boko Haram militants in Borno State, following a large-scale rescue operation in the Mandara Mountains, one of the terrorist group’s known strongholds in northeastern Nigeria.

Military authorities said the rescued victims included women, children, and other civilians who had been abducted from various communities across the state. The operation was described as a major success in ongoing efforts to weaken Boko Haram and restore security in the region.

According to army spokesperson Haruna Sani, two infants died from exhaustion during the rescue process due to the harsh conditions they endured while in captivity and the difficult terrain of the mountainous area. The remaining survivors were evacuated to safe locations, where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance.

The rescue comes as Nigeria continues to battle a prolonged insurgency in the northeast involving Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Despite repeated military offensives, both groups remain active in parts of Borno State and continue to carry out attacks, kidnappings, and other violent operations.

Security experts view the latest operation as an important victory for Nigerian forces, although concerns remain over the persistent threat posed by extremist groups that have displaced millions of people and claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.