Three months after, troops rescue 360 women, children abducted in Gwoza

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 360 women and children who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama said the rescue operation was conducted by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the Special Operations Forces.

According to Makama, the operation took place across multiple fronts around the Mandara Mountains on June 6. He explained that Special Operations Forces first carried out preliminary missions that sowed confusion in the terrorists’ camps, paving the way for ground troops to successfully extract the hostages.

“The rescued civilians were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026,” Makama said.

The operation, however, recorded a tragic setback, with two infants dying due to the harsh and difficult terrain encountered while evacuating the victims to safety.

Makama added that all rescued victims received immediate medical screening upon arrival. Those requiring further care were stabilised by brigade medical personnel and admitted to the General Hospital in Gwoza for treatment.

“The victims were also provided with food and water before being moved to a secure holding facility pending reunification with their families.

“Security sources described the operation as a significant humanitarian and operational success in the ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and rescue civilians held captive in remote parts of the North-East,” he added.

Makama noted that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still unpredictable.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​