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Tears of Joy in Borno as 11 Abducted Women Return Home After Months in Captivity
The Nigerian military says 221 hostages were rescued in May as 11 abducted women and 416 captives recently regained freedom in Borno State.
A wave of relief swept through parts of Borno State on Tuesday as 11 women abducted seven months ago in Dille community regained their freedom, barely a day after the rescue of 416 captives from Ngoshe community.
For families who had endured months of uncertainty, unanswered questions and silent prayers, the women’s return marked the end of a painful chapter.
The women were kidnapped while on a fishing expedition and are believed to have been rescued during ongoing military operations conducted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
Residents described emotional scenes as mothers, wives and daughters reunited with loved ones after months in captivity.
Before returning home, the women reportedly underwent medical examinations and health assessments. Community sources said two of them escaped during captivity, while two others were released by their abductors before the military rescue operation.
Reacting to the development, Askira/Uba Local Government Chairman, Mada Saidu, expressed gratitude to security agencies.
“We thank God for the safe return of our daughters and wives. We also appreciate the Nigerian Army, the Borno State government and all security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices toward ensuring their freedom and safety,” he said.
Ngoshe Leaders Reject Claims Over Rescue Efforts
As celebrations continued in Askira/Uba, leaders in Ngoshe moved to clarify reports surrounding the rescue of 416 captives freed from Boko Haram captivity.
Addressing journalists in Maiduguri, Chairman of the Ngoshe Stakeholders Forum, Prof. Suleiman Bello, rejected claims by a group known as the Borno South Youth Alliance that it played a role in securing the captives’ release.
“We, the stakeholders and representatives of our people, wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from a self-acclaimed group operating under the name ‘Borno South Youth Alliance,’ allegedly managed by one Samaila Kaigama, who has publicly claimed involvement in the facilitation of the release of our people,” Bello said.
He stressed that the group neither represented the community nor had any mandate to speak on its behalf, describing its claims as “false” and “misleading.”
The forum also cautioned against attempts to exploit humanitarian and security crises for personal interests, warning that such actions could undermine genuine peace-building efforts.
Displaced Again Despite Rescue
Although the 416 rescued captives have reunited with their families, Ngoshe remains largely deserted.
The community, situated near the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, was attacked by insurgents in March, forcing nearly 3,000 residents to flee to Pulka after previously spending years in displacement.
Security forces have since reclaimed the area, but authorities say residents will only return when the community is declared safe for habitation.
Military Intensifies Operations
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters reported that military operations in May 2026 led to the neutralisation of 317 terrorists, criminals, illegal miners and informants.
The military also announced the arrest of 314 suspects, the surrender of 18 insurgents and the rescue of 221 hostages.
Additionally, troops destroyed three illegal refining sites, recovered 21,910 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and seized 93 firearms along with other military equipment.
Defence authorities said the results reflected sustained pressure on criminal and terrorist groups, urging Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
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