The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of 360 abductees who were being held by terr0rists in a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the victims—comprising men, women, and children—were rescued during what he described as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions carried out in the North-East in recent times.

Sani stated that the operation was conducted by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 under Operation HADIN KAI after weeks of intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and operational planning.

He explained that the victims had been abd¥cted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis of Gwoza Local Government Area, and were held in difficult conditions inside the insurgents’ hideout.

Following their rescue, the hostages were medically screened and evacuated from the area.

However, Sani disclosed that two infants d!ed from exhaustion resulting from the challenging mountainous terrain and the harsh conditions they endured during their prolonged captivity.