Nigerian forces rescued at least 360 people taken by Boko Haram. These individuals were abducted in March. They were held in a remote mountain hideout. The rescue happened on June 7, 2026.
The military stated it led an operation. This raid was planned for weeks. It surprised the Islamist militants. These militants are known as Boko Haram. A local group, the Borno South Youth Initiative, offered a different story. They said they negotiated the release. They reported 416 people were freed. Mass kidnappings for money are common in Nigeria. Boko Haram gained attention in 2014. They kidnapped over 200 schoolgirls then.
Groups like Boko Haram use kidnapping. They do this to raise funds. They target schools, churches, and villages. Paying ransoms is illegal in Nigeria. However, families and officials sometimes pay. This fuels the ongoing abductions. Military spokesperson Lt-Col Haruna M Sani called the raid significant. He described it as an "unprecedented intelligence-led operation." He said troops advanced quickly. They used "overwhelming combat power." Insurgents fled or surrendered. The operation took place at the Mandara mountain hideout.
Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed the rescue. He said the freed captives were getting medical care. Sadly, two infants died. They succumbed to exhaustion and harsh conditions. The government praised the troops. They face criticism for widespread insecurity. The captives are from the Ngoshe community. This area is in Borno state. It is near the Cameroon border. In March, Boko Haram attacked Ngoshe. This happened as people broke their Ramadan fast.
Samaila Kaigama, president of the Borno South Youth Alliance, spoke to reporters. His group claims to have contacted the militants. They advocated for the captives' release. He criticized government officials. He accused them of taking credit for his group's work. Videos showed freed captives sitting under trees. A local official told them authorities were working to secure the area. This would let them return to their farms. Some captives might have escaped to Cameroon. Efforts are underway for their safe return.
Boko Haram started its campaign in 2009. It aimed to impose Islamic rule. It lost much territory but remains dangerous. In early 2026, US soldiers deployed to Nigeria. They trained Nigerian forces. This was to help fight growing security threats. These threats include insurgency and kidnapping gangs. Last month, Nigeria and the US killed an Islamic State leader.