Nigerian Troops Rescue 6 More Abducted in Borno State

Six women and children held captive by armed groups are finally home with their families tonight, thanks to a rescue operation in northeastern Nigeria's Borno State.

The rescued group includes 52-year-old Amina Salihu, 50-year-old Aishatu Musa, nine-year-old twins Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, and two boys aged 10 and 12. Troops with Operation Hadin Kai intercepted them at a crossing point near the Mandara Mountains on May 14, acting on intelligence reports about terrorist movement in the area.

This marks the second successful rescue in just 24 hours. The day before, troops freed six other victims from the same Ngoshe community in Gwoza.

The rescues are part of ongoing efforts to recover over 400 people kidnapped when armed groups attacked Ngoshe on March 3, 2026. Military sources report that 60 victims have now been safely returned to their families through coordinated search and rescue operations across the region.

Commander Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi personally received the rescued families at the 26 Task Force Brigade. Medical teams checked each person at the Brigade Medical Reception Station before community leaders, including village head Mallam Bulama Kunda and Chief Imam Mallam Auwalu Hudu, helped reunite them with loved ones.

The Ripple Effect

The sustained rescue operations show how military strategy is adapting to protect communities in northeastern Nigeria. Troops are now maintaining aggressive patrols along known terrorist routes and acting quickly on local intelligence, preventing captors from moving victims deeper into remote areas.

Beyond the rescues, security forces report neutralizing several armed militants and recovering weapons and supplies during operations. These coordinated efforts span multiple areas including Konduga Local Government and Yobe State, where troops recently arrested a suspected collaborator allegedly helping transport militants.

The community is responding with both relief and renewed hope. Chief Imam Hudu led prayers for the troops and for the safe return of those still missing.

Brigadier General Abdullahi assured Ngoshe residents that operations will continue until every abducted person comes home. With each successful rescue, families see proof that promise is real.