Soldiers save 47 people held by Boko Haram in Borno

Soldiers from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 47 people, mostly women and children. They were held captive by Boko Haram and ISWAP in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the victims were freed from Kangarwa village in the Lake Chad region. This followed ongoing ground and air attacks on insurgent hideouts.

Mohammed Goni, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, shared this news in a statement on Tuesday.

He explained that the rescue happened due to increased military operations that made the insurgents flee their positions. "The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region," Captain Goni noted.

He added, "The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity." The rescued civilians are now getting medical help and humanitarian assistance in a safe place before they reintegrate into society.

Goni said, "The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration."

The military pointed out that this rescue shows their ongoing efforts to weaken insurgent groups in the North-east. They are also focused on freeing civilians taken during attacks on communities in the region.

Kangarwa and other areas in Kukawa Local Government are part of the Lake Chad basin, which has faced serious problems from Boko Haram attacks over the past ten years. The area has seen many attacks, kidnappings, and people being forced to leave their homes, relying on humanitarian support.

Even with recent military successes, remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters still operate in northern Borno. They particularly remain around the Lake Chad area, Sambisa Forest, and Mandara Mountains.

Security experts say women and children make up a large part of those kidnapped by insurgent groups. Many are taken during raids on rural areas or while moving between settlements.

Recently, the military has stepped up air and ground operations against insurgent hideouts in the North-east. This comes as there is rising fear over attacks on communities and military bases.

The rescue also raises concerns about other civilians still held captive in Borno State. On 15 May, suspected Boko Haram members kidnapped students from Mussa-Biri Primary School and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

As of the latest update, those students remain in captivity, leading to protests by the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Maiduguri.

Goni stated that the Theatre Command is dedicated to continuing operations that will dismantle the remaining terrorist groups and restore peace in the area. "The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region," he said.

The military did not reveal the identities of the rescued individuals or how long they were held captive.