Army ‘rescues’ 700 Boko Haram captives in Borno

The military has reportedly rescued 700 persons from Boko Haram insurgents in Borno state.

Timothy Antigha, deputy director, army public relations, 8 division, said the women gave birth at a military holding facility in Monguno local government area of the state.

Antigha said over 700 persons abducted by Boko Haram insurgents had escaped from their captors and received by the 242 battalion, Monguno.

He said the abductees comprising men, women and children were forced to work as farm labourers by the insurgents.

He said two women among the freed persons delivered safely at the holding facility.

The army spokesman said intensified onslaught against the insurgents under Operation Deep Punch II had weakened and decimated their positions, which enabled the persons to escape, NAN reports.

“Over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families hitherto held by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers have fled the various islands in Lake Chad to Monguno.

“The exodus of the abductees is not unconnected to a follow-up operation conducted a few days ago to exploit the gains of the recent successful Operation Deep Punch 2 in Chikun Gudu and adjourning localities.

“The follow-up operation conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, 8 Division, Operation Lafiya Dole, was targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics such as communication centers, fabrication yards, bomb making equipment, vehicles and other means of sustenance.

“The ensuing collapse of their command structure and means of survival triggered the abandonment of the islands and escape of the abductees to Monguno.

“Profiling of the displaced escapees is ongoing to ensure that no terrorist takes advantage of the situation to sneak into the town.

“Preliminary investigation will focus on finding out where wanted Boko Haram commanders were hiding. Two pregnant women among the abductees gave birth yesterday in the holding centers.”

According to him, several persons were freed from Boko Haram insurgents following the military offensive in Chikun Gudu community, Monguno.