Barely a day after the rescue of 416 residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State, another wave of relief has swept across the state following the return of 11 women who had spent seven months in Boko Haram captivity.
The women, all from Dille community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, were abducted while on a fishing expedition and have now been reunited with their families after months of uncertainty and anguish.
Their freedom was reportedly secured through coordinated military operations carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, the same offensive that recently led to the rescue of more than 400 captives from Ngoshe and surrounding communities.
The return of the women triggered emotional scenes in Dille as relatives and community members gathered to welcome them home. Many families, who had lived for months without information about their loved ones, expressed gratitude and relief at their safe return.
Sources within the community disclosed that all the rescued women underwent medical examinations and health assessments before being reunited with their families. It was also gathered that two of the women had escaped from captivity on their own, while two others had earlier been released by their abductors before the latest military operation secured the freedom of the remaining captives.
Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, described the development as a major relief for the community. He commended the Nigerian Army, the Borno State Government and other security agencies for their dedication to restoring peace and securing the release of abducted residents.
“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 Stakeholders Reject Rescue Mediation Claims
Meanwhile, stakeholders from Ngoshe community have distanced themselves from claims that certain individuals or groups facilitated the recent rescue of the 416 captives from the area.
At a press briefing in Maiduguri, the Ngoshe Stakeholders Forum dismissed reports linking the rescue to a group known as the Borno South Youth Alliance and its alleged coordinator, Samaila Kaigama.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Chairman Prof. Suleiman Bello stated that the group was unknown to the community and had no mandate to act or speak on behalf of Ngoshe residents.
According to him, claims suggesting that the group played a role in securing the release of the captives were false and misleading.
The forum warned against attempts to exploit humanitarian and security crises for personal interests, noting that such actions could undermine genuine efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region.
Bello urged media organisations, humanitarian agencies and the general public to engage only with recognised community representatives and avoid unauthorised groups claiming to represent Ngoshe people.
Appreciation for Government and Security Agencies
Despite rejecting the claims, the forum expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, the Nigerian military and humanitarian organisations for their contributions to the successful rescue operation.
The stakeholders also praised troops stationed in Ngoshe, Pulka and Gwoza for their resilience and sacrifices in protecting communities threatened by insurgent activities.
The forum disclosed that the rescued captives are currently receiving medical treatment, psychological support and humanitarian assistance to aid their recovery and reintegration into society.
Challenges Remain for Displaced Residents
Although the 416 rescued residents have regained their freedom, they have not yet returned to Ngoshe. Instead, they have been relocated to Pulka, where many of their relatives are currently residing.
Community sources revealed that Ngoshe remains without civilian residents following the insurgent attack on the town in March. The assault forced nearly 3,000 people to flee despite having been resettled there less than two years earlier after spending more than seven years in displacement.
The community, located near the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, was overrun by insurgents who reportedly killed residents and forced both civilians and security personnel to withdraw.
Although troops have since regained control of the area and maintained a strong military presence, authorities have yet to declare the community safe for civilian return.
Military Records Major Gains Nationwide
In a related development, the Defence Headquarters announced that troops recorded significant operational successes across the country in May 2026.
According to figures released by the Defence Media Operations, security forces neutralised 317 terrorists, criminals, illegal miners and informants during various operations nationwide.
The military also arrested 314 suspects linked to terrorism, criminal activities, illegal mining and intelligence gathering for criminal groups. Additionally, 18 insurgents surrendered during sustained military offensives.
Security forces rescued 221 kidnapped victims, destroyed three illegal refining sites and recovered 21,910 litres of illegally refined petroleum products. Troops also seized 93 assorted firearms, ammunition and other military equipment.
Military authorities said the achievements reflected increasing pressure on terrorist and criminal networks and urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations across the country.
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