The Nigerian military has successfully transferred more than 400 women and children to government officials after rescuing them from the jihadist group Boko Haram in Borno State. These survivors had been held in the northeast region of the country before being liberated during recent operations.

Since 2009, the northeastern part of Africa’s most populous country has been gripped by a violent insurgency led by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap). This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and the displacement of millions of citizens. Mass abductions for ransom have become a recurring strategy for these extremist factions.

On Sunday, military representatives reported that approximately 360 individuals were rescued over the weekend during a targeted operation fueled by strategic intelligence. This mission was not a voluntary release by the insurgents but a direct result of military intervention.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State further clarified on Monday that another 82 people had been secured roughly three weeks ago. These combined efforts bring the total number of freed captives to approximately 434 individuals.

The victims were originally taken from Ngoshe, a village located less than 10 kilometers from the Cameroon border. This community sits in the Gwoza hills, a known bastion for Boko Haram that has frequently been the target of militant raids.

At the Pulka displacement camp, where the official handover occurred, 43-year-old Hassana Buba expressed her relief. She shared that the survivors are deeply thankful for their rescue and are celebrating their newfound freedom after the harrowing ordeal.

Although the government maintains that it does not pay ransoms, many experts suggest the practice is widespread among both official channels and the families of those abducted. A report from the Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence estimated that nearly $1.66 million was paid to various armed groups—including jihadists, bandits, and separatists—between July 2024 and June 2025.