Freed Boko Haram captives recount ordeal after Nigerian military rescue
Key Takeaways
- Nigerian troops rescued 360 people from a Boko Haram enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
- Survivors said they were beaten, forced to sleep outdoors and often went hungry.
- Governor Babagana Zulum visited the temporary camp and pledged relief support and assistance for their return home.
Survivors describe starvation and loss as 360 abductees are recovered from insurgent mountain hideout
Hundreds of women and children rescued from Boko Haram captivity are beginning to share their experiences after Nigerian troops recovered them from a remote insurgent enclave in Borno State.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited a temporary camp in Pulka on Monday, where many of the freed captives are receiving assistance following their rescue.
The operation, carried out by troops from Operation HADIN KAI and Special Forces, led to the recovery of 360 people from a fortified Boko Haram hideout in the Mandara Mountains on Saturday.
The victims had been abducted during an attack on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area in early March, when insurgents targeted a military position, burned homes and fled into the mountains with civilians.
One survivor described the harsh conditions they endured while being held captive.
"The night they took us, we were beaten. They looted a lot of things. They moved us to a mountain. We slept outside on the ground. Some days, we were starved," one survivor said. "I lost three of my children and husband."
According to the military, the rescue operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and covert reconnaissance. Troops reportedly advanced under the cover of darkness, sealed escape routes and overpowered fighters guarding the enclave.
During his visit, Governor Zulum praised security agencies involved in the operation and pledged support for the rescued civilians.
"I also want to use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Nigeria Armed Forces, the efforts of the office of the National Security Adviser, commend the office of the Department of Security Services and all other security agencies, including our gallant civilian joint taskforce," Zulum said.
"We're here to support them with relief materials, food and non-food items. Each and every one will receive food and non-food items. More importantly, we're also interfacing with their communities about their return. Those who are willing to return to their community," he added.
Medical teams are currently assessing the former captives for malnutrition, illness and psychological trauma as authorities work on plans for their return to their communities.
Security forces said operations against insurgent positions in the Mandara Mountains and nearby border communities will continue.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
