By Ijeoma Grace -IT
The Nigerian military has rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in a major operation deep inside the terrorists' stronghold in Borno State, delivering a significant blow to the extremist group.
The rescue mission, carried out in the rugged Mandara Mountains in southern Borno, secured the freedom of hundreds of captives who had been held under harsh conditions for months, according to a statement issued by the military on Sunday.
Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, said troops launched the operation after gathering actionable intelligence and deploying psychological tactics that created divisions within Boko Haram's ranks before the final assault.
According to him, several insurgents fled into the surrounding mountains while others surrendered as troops advanced on the hideout. However, the military did not disclose whether any arrests were made during the operation.
Tragically, two infants died from exhaustion caused by the difficult mountainous terrain and the severe conditions they endured while in captivity.
"The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group," Sani said.
The military described the operation as one of its most successful recent rescue missions against Boko Haram, underscoring ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks in Nigeria's Northeast.
The release of the captives was also confirmed by a local youth leader and a senator from Borno State, who spoke to AFP on Saturday.
