Military Rescues 360 Hostages in Borno of Nigeria

Nigeria’s military says it has rescued 360 people held captive by insurgents during a major operation in Borno State, the epicentre of the country’s long-running conflict with Boko Haram and its splinter groups.

The operation was carried out by troops conducting clearance missions in parts of northeastern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued attacks on communities despite years of military offensives. According to the Nigerian military, the rescued individuals included men, women and children who had been held in insurgent-controlled areas.

Military authorities said the operation also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other items used by the armed groups. The rescued hostages were taken to a secure location where they are expected to receive medical attention, psychological support and screening before being reunited with their families.

Borno State has remained at the centre of Nigeria’s insurgency for more than a decade. Thousands of people have been killed, while millions have been displaced by violence linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The Nigerian military has intensified operations across the northeast in recent months, targeting insurgent camps and attempting to secure communities affected by repeated attacks and abductions.

Authorities have not disclosed how long the hostages were held in captivity or provided a breakdown of their identities.

The military also did not state whether any insurgents were arrested during the rescue operation.

SOURCE: Reuters