Rescued Ngoshe Victims Tell Stories of Abuse, Hunger and Loss in Boko Haram Captivity

Victims rescued from Boko Haram/ISWAP captivity in Borno State have spoken about the difficult conditions they endured after being abducted during the March 2026 attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The survivors are among the 360 captives recently freed by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and are presently receiving care at the Pulka IDP camp.

Sharing her experience, Zainab Ayuba said she suffered sexual abuse in captivity and lost her husband during the insurgent attack.

“The experience is horrible and inhuman, because I was seriously molested sexually while in captivity. I prayed for even my enemies not to fall prey to Boko Haram terrorists,” she said.

For 75-year-old Idris Mustapha, however, the experience was different. He said he was not subjected to physical abuse and was provided food regularly by the insurgents.

“I thank God and our security agencies for securing our lives. As for me, I am one of the lucky ones, because I was not molested or treated badly by the terrorists, maybe it’s because of my age. They gave me food three times in a day and felt comfortable.”

Another rescued victim, Hauwa Yusuf, said hunger was one of the biggest challenges faced by the captives.

She explained that they were usually fed only once daily, with meals consisting mainly of maize, guinea corn and powdered grains without soup.

Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited the victims in Pulka on Monday, said the latest rescue operation secured the release of 357 persons, while dozens of others had regained freedom in previous phases.

According to him, a total of 434 abductees from Ngoshe have now been reunited with their families.

The governor credited President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and securing the release of those held captive.

“I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and Gwoza community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts that he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country.”

Zulum also applauded security agencies and local volunteer groups for their coordinated efforts in the rescue mission.

He disclosed that rehabilitation work in Ngoshe is nearing completion and that plans are underway to support the voluntary and safe return of displaced residents.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention, counselling and humanitarian assistance before their eventual reintegration into their communities.

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