Troops rescue six abducted Ngoshe women from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 6 women who were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Ngoshe village, Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno state.

The success story was contained in a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba on Friday night.

The statement reads: “In another significant operational success with the rescue of six abducted civilians and their subsequent reunion with family members in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

“The rescue operation followed sustained offensive actions, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence, troops of OPHK, while returning from a successful overnight offensive operation in the early hours of 1 May 2026, intercepted and rescued six women and children around Amuda—a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist transit activities.

“The rescued victims were identified as Mrs. Zainab Idris (18), Fatima Abubakar (17), Maimuna Abdulrashid (24), Muhammad Idris (1), Sadiq Abdullahi (7), and Fatima Abdulrashid (5). Preliminary debriefings revealed that they were among residents abducted during the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026 and had been held in captivity at a terrorist enclave in Gava before escaping. During the rescue, troops came under sporadic enemy fire as fleeing terrorists attempted to pursue the escapees.

“The troops responded decisively, engaging the terrorists in a brief exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw into the mountainous terrain.

“The successful rescue operation is also linked to intensified operational pressure on terrorist elements, which has significantly degraded their cohesion and heightened internal disarray. Intelligence indicates that the terrorists are increasingly desperate and paranoid, following sustained losses and the escape of captives, including a 16-year-old girl who had been forcefully married to one of their commanders.

“Following the rescue, the victims were immediately administered first aid and medical checks at a military facility before being formally handed over to community authorities. At about 1400 hours the same day, they were successfully reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by community members.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassure the public of their unwavering commitment to securing all communities, rescuing abducted persons, and eliminating terrorist elements from all enclaves across the North East region. Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue with renewed vigour.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing military operations, in the security, peace and economic interest of the North East region.

“The Military High Command commends the troops for their impressive battle performance, urging them to sustain aggressive operations, to dominate the battlespace”. Uba explained.