The Jama’atu Ahlus Sunnah Lid Da’awati Wal Jihad, better known as Boko Haram, held the captives for three months before their release. The victims were freed following a major military operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

According to the military, the operation was one of the most significant hostage rescue missions in the North East in recent times. Lt-Col Haruna Sani, acting spokesman of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, said the mission was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning.

“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain, and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal,” Sani said.

“Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces established positions along likely escape routes. The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted.”

He added that several insurgents fled into the surrounding mountainous terrain while others surrendered. The hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated.

“Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity,” the statement noted.

Ransom Allegations

One survivor, Aisha Ngoshe, a mother of five, told Ndarason that large bags suspected to contain ransom money were delivered to the insurgents shortly before their release.

“Few hours before our release, we saw Ghana-Must-Go bags suspected to be ransom money have been taken to the insurgents,” she said. Ndarason did not independently verify this claim.

Aisha described the harrowing conditions during captivity: “I am glad that I and my 5 kids have survived this tragedy. The situation was bad, we were given food partially and not in enough quantity.”

She said some children died in captivity and many others remain sick after their release. “Our children are falling sick because of what they have been exposed in the last three months. They have been traumatized and currently not in good mental situation.”

Aisha was particularly distressed by the plight of pregnant women. “Four women gave birth during captivity and some of them died immediately after birth due to harsh conditions.”

Abduction and Remaining Captives

At least 416 people were initially abducted when Boko Haram attacked Ngoshe three months ago. In May, the military reported the release of six captives, while locals told Ndarason that 12 people, mostly elderly, were released by the insurgents.

Aisha revealed that over 40 people, mostly teenagers, remain in captivity. “We don’t know why they were not released. I saw their relatives worried.”

Joyful Reunion in Pulka

The freed hostages arrived in Pulka on Sunday to a cheering crowd of family members and residents. Many families broke into tears of joy upon seeing their loved ones.

However, the celebrations were tempered by grief for families whose relatives were not freed. Some returnees expressed guilt upon learning that loved ones remained behind.

A mother whose daughter is still in captivity called on the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages.