Breaking: Army Frees Six Civilians Held Captive Since March Attack

The Nigerian Army has rescued six abducted civilians in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

The victims, including women and children, were freed in the early hours of May 1, 2026, around Amuda a deserted stretch between Ngoshe and Gava known to be used by terrorists.

According to military authorities, the rescue was carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI following sustained offensive actions, including recent airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.

Soldiers intercepted the victims while returning from an overnight offensive operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the six civilians had been abducted during an attack on Ngoshe on March 3, 2026, and were held captive in Gava before managing to escape.

During the rescue, troops came under sporadic enemy fire as fleeing terrorists attempted to pursue the victims. However, soldiers engaged the insurgents in a brief exchange, forcing them to retreat into the mountainous terrain.

The rescued individuals received first aid and medical attention at a military facility before being handed over to community leaders. They were reunited with their families later that same day.

The army described the operation as part of intensified pressure on terrorist groups, which has significantly weakened their cohesion and increased internal disarray. Intelligence reports suggest growing desperation among the insurgents.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing operations, vowing to continue securing communities, rescuing abducted persons, and eliminating terrorist elements across the North-East.