The Nigerian Army has disclosed that it successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State.
It was learnt that the victims were aged between 15 and 20 years old, and were kidnapped on 23rd November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Lt Col Appolonia Anele disclosed in a statement in Abuja that the victims were freed on Saturday, 29th November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis.
Meanwhile, the rescued girls have been evacuated to a secure military facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing.
Lt Col Anele further explained that “Upon completion of these processes, they would be formally reunited with their families” adding that heir recovery has brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear following the abduction.
The rescued victims include Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamidu (17).
The military high command commended the doggedness of the troops for their swift response and acknowledged the crucial support of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely information enabled the successful rescue.
Reiterated that the troops continue to pursue ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and safeguard civilians.
As a result, the Nigerian Army has called on communities to continue to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are essential to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting security.
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