Army: 1,890 freed from Boko Haram in 2 weeks

The Nigerian army said on Friday that 1,890 Boko Haram hostages, including women and children, were rescued in the last two weeks by troops fighting insurgency in the North East Zone.

In a statement, Sani Usman, the spokesman, said hostages were rescued in different locations in Borno following massive mop-up operations conducted by different units in the state.

Usman said some of those rescued include 800 Nigerians who had initially crossed to Cameroon but were brought back to Banki town in Nigeria by troops of the 21 Brigade on Thursday.

“Troops of 121 Task Force conducted joint patrols with Cameroonian forces at Mararraba, Angwan Fada, Dale and Wizha Bokko Timit, Bokko Nasanu and Bokko Hidde up to Ngoshe in which they rescued 17 women and 28 children,” Usman said.

“Similarly, troops of 7 Division Garrison carried out joint operations with 112 Battalion, Army Headquarters Support Group and Armed Forces Special Forces at Gajibo, Maula, Gamai, Gamare.

“Maiwa, Warsale, Tangli, Tushi, Sowa, Hasanari, Changuwa, Malamaja, and Marya in Dikwa and Mafa Local Government areas and rescued 350 people, including five Cameroonian girls.

“In a similar operation, troops of 7 Division Garrison in conjunction with troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, and Armed Forces Special Forces on Feb. 17, conducted clearance operations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas in which they rescued 195 hostages.”

He added that on February 23, troops of 21 Brigade, in conjunction with troops of MNJTF on clearance operations at Kumshe general area, rescued 250 persons, mainly women and children.

He said troops of 7 Division also rescued 150 persons at Kodo on the same day.

Usman added that troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade in clearance operations on Thursday at Galmasku, Muli, Chiralia, Maisani, Talala, Ajigin, Shetimalau, 1 and 2 and Dalomi also rescued 250 civilians held hostage.