Boko Haram Frees 416 Women, Children Abducted from Borno Community

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have released 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was confirmed on Sunday by the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, who said the captives regained their freedom on Saturday after months in captivity.

According to Kaigama, the alliance played a key role in facilitating discussions that contributed to the release of the victims.

“BOSYA has secured the release of all the Ngoshe 416 women and children. They were released on the 6th of June,” he said.

“We are happy and grateful that through our efforts, our persistent cries, and long discussions, the results are now being seen.”

Call for Screening of Released Victims

Kaigama urged the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and relevant local authorities to carry out thorough screening and rehabilitation of the released captives.

He said proper profiling of the victims would help ensure their successful reintegration into society while addressing any security concerns that may arise following their release.

The circumstances surrounding the release were not immediately disclosed, and authorities have yet to provide an official statement on the development.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.

Abduction Followed Attack on Military Base

The victims were abducted following a Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe earlier this year.

On March 4, insurgents reportedly stormed a military base in the community, setting operational vehicles ablaze, dispersing security personnel, killing an unspecified number of people, and abducting hundreds of residents.

The incident highlighted the persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the North-East.

In April, BOSYA revealed that it had been engaging with the terrorist group and serving as an intermediary in efforts to secure the release of the abducted women and children.

The release of the 416 captives marks one of the largest mass releases of abductees in the region in recent months and is expected to bring relief to families and residents of Ngoshe who have waited months for news of their loved ones.

Authorities are yet to provide details on the condition of the released victims or the arrangements being made for their return and rehabilitation.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.