In a significant operation, the Nigerian army has successfully rescued approximately 350 hostages, predominantly women and children, from Boko Haram’s control in northeastern Nigeria. The hostages were found in the Sambisa Forest, a notorious stronghold for the extremist group, which has been active since 2009, according to Major General Ken Chigbu.
Of the rescued individuals, 209 were children and 135 were women, along with six men, all of whom showed signs of significant distress and wear. Some of the rescued girls were accompanied by infants, likely born during their captivity under forced conditions, such as marriages imposed by their captors.
One of the rescued hostages, Hajara Umara, described the harrowing inability to escape due to the fear of severe punishment for herself and her seven children. The military operation spanned several days, resulting in the liberation of the hostages, the elimination of some militants, and the destruction of their makeshift dwellings.
Sambisa Forest, located along the borders with Cameroon and Niger, was originally a thriving forest reserve but has since become a base for Boko Haram and related factions. The area is used for launching attacks within Nigeria and against targets in neighboring countries.
The freed individuals were transported to the Borno state government house, where they will receive care before being returned to their homes. The ongoing conflict initiated by Boko Haram aims to establish Sharia law in Nigeria and has led to over 35,000 deaths and displaced 2.1 million people, as reported by UN agencies. The crisis has also seen at least 1,400 students kidnapped since 2014, including the widely publicized abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok.
