Barely a day after the rescue of 416 residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State from Boko Haram/ISWAP captivity, another wave of relief swept through the state as 11 women abducted from Dille community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area regained their freedom after seven months in captivity.
The women were kidnapped while on a fishing expedition and were among those rescued during coordinated military operations conducted by troops of Operation HADINKAI. Their return sparked emotional scenes in Dille as families and residents welcomed them home after months of uncertainty and anguish.
Community sources disclosed that the women underwent medical examinations and health assessments before being reunited with their families. During their captivity, two of the victims reportedly escaped, while another two were released by their abductors before the final rescue operation.
Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, expressed gratitude over the development and commended security agencies for their efforts.
“We thank God for the safe return of our daughters and wives. We also appreciate the Nigerian Army, the Borno State government and all security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices toward ensuring their freedom and safety,” he said.
Ngoshe Stakeholders Reject Rescue Claims
Meanwhile, the Ngoshe Stakeholders Forum (NSF) has distanced itself from claims by a group identified as the “Borno South Youth Alliance,” which allegedly took credit for facilitating the release of the 416 captives rescued from Ngoshe.
Speaking during a press conference in Maiduguri, NSF Chairman, Prof. Suleiman Bello, described the claims as false and misleading.
“We, the stakeholders and representatives of our people, wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from a self-acclaimed group operating under the name ‘Borno South Youth Alliance,’ allegedly managed by one Samaila Kaigama, who has publicly claimed involvement in the facilitation of the release of our people.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this group is unknown to us, does not represent our people in any capacity, and was never mandated to speak or act on our behalf. Their claims are entirely false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the general public,” he said.
The forum warned against exploiting humanitarian crises for personal gain, noting that such actions could undermine genuine peace and security efforts.
“We are deeply concerned by the activities and utterances of such individuals and groups whose actions appear designed to exploit sensitive humanitarian and security situations for personal gain.
“Available indications strongly suggest a pattern of deceptive conduct capable of undermining genuine efforts towards peace, security, and community stability,” Bello added.
The stakeholders also appealed to the media, humanitarian organisations and members of the public to avoid engaging with unauthorised groups claiming to represent the community.
Rescued, But Not Yet Home
Despite the successful rescue operation, the 416 Ngoshe residents have not returned to their ancestral homes. Instead, they have been relocated to Pulka community, where they joined relatives and other displaced persons.
Sources revealed that Ngoshe currently has no civilian population following the March 2026 attack by insurgents, which forced nearly 3,000 resettled residents to flee once again.
Located along the Nigeria-Cameroon border at the foot of the Mandara Mountains, Ngoshe had previously undergone reconstruction by the Borno State Government after residents spent more than seven years in displacement.
Although troops have since regained control of the area and maintained a strong presence, authorities say residents will only return when the community is certified safe for habitation.
Military Records Major Gains
The Defence Headquarters also announced significant operational successes recorded across the country in May 2026.
According to Defence Media Operations, troops neutralised 317 terrorists, criminals, illegal miners and informants, while 314 suspects were arrested for various offences.
The military further disclosed that 18 insurgents surrendered during operations, while 221 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
In addition, troops destroyed three illegal refining sites, recovered 21,910 litres of illegally refined petroleum products, and seized 93 assorted firearms, ammunition and other military equipment.
Military authorities said the results reflected intensified pressure on criminal and terrorist groups nationwide and urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.