Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters during a coordinated operation in the Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State.
The girls, all aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on November 23 while harvesting crops on family farmlands, an incident that heightened fear and tension across the rural communities already plagued by insurgent attacks.
Their rescue was confirmed on Saturday, November 29, after troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched an intelligence-driven offensive in the southern Borno axis.
According to military authorities, the operation was executed with “swift precision,” leading to the safe recovery of all 12 victims.
“The girls were immediately evacuated to a secured military location, where they are now receiving medical care, psychological support, and debriefing.
“They will to be reunited with their families once these procedures are completed”, Army said.
The 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 Army described the operation as a key morale boost for both troops and residents, noting that the community had been distressed since the abduction.
The command praised the soldiers for their “doggedness and professionalism,” while also acknowledging the timely intelligence provided by local informants and security partners.
Troops are said to be intensifying pursuit of ISWAP elements fleeing the area, in a bid to forestall reprisal attacks and strengthen regional security.
The Nigerian Army also urged communities to remain cooperative and share credible information, stressing that the sustained defeat of insurgency depends on strong collaboration between security forces and civilians.
