The Nigerian Army has rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District, Askira/Uba local government area, Borno State.
The victims, aged 15 to 20, were kidnapped on November 23 while harvesting crops on their family farms.
They were freed on Saturday, November 29, following an operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in southern Borno.
The operation was launched in response to intelligence and involved the Nigerian Army working with local informants and security stakeholders.
The military successfully located and rescued the girls from the terrorists’ captivity.
The rescued victims are: Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15), and Hauwa Hamidu (17).
The girls have been taken to a military facility for medical care, psychological support, and debriefing.
The military said the victims will be reunited with their families once the processes are complete.
The Nigerian Army thanked the troops for their swift response and acknowledged the role of local informants whose information contributed to the operation’s success.
“We commend the efforts of our troops, who remain committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens,” said a spokesperson for the Nigerian Army.
“This rescue operation shows the effectiveness of our efforts to combat terrorism in northern Nigeria.”
Troops are continuing operations to clear ISWAP remnants in southern Borno to prevent further attacks and protect the local population.
The Nigerian Army called on local communities to support military operations by providing credible information to aid the fight against terrorism.
“Cooperation between our troops and local communities is vital for achieving security,” the statement concluded.
