The Borno State Government has confirmed that two children lost their lives during a military operation that led to the rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, disclosed this while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, describing the operation as a major success in the fight against insurgency.
According to Tar, troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out the rescue mission based on credible intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) and military intelligence operatives.
“Acting on credible intelligence from the DSS and military intelligence, officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai conducted a daring operation that led to the release of 360 victims of the Ngoshe kidnapping,” he said.
“It was a highly successful operation. Sadly, we lost two children during the operation; otherwise, it was a very successful mission.”
Tar said the rescued victims had been relocated to Wajirko, where many displaced residents of Ngoshe are currently residing pending their return home.
He added that the state government has commenced medical and psychological assessments for the survivors to address the trauma and health challenges resulting from their captivity.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was expected to visit the rescued victims to assess their condition and provide support.
“Any moment from now, Governor Zulum will visit the victims to share in their joy of freedom, understand their experiences in captivity, and determine the best ways the government can support them and prevent future occurrences,” Tar stated.
He noted that the successful rescue has brought relief and celebration across the state, even as authorities continue efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate the victims into their communities.
The operation is regarded as one of the largest mass rescue missions recorded in recent months in Nigeria’s North-East region, where communities continue to face threats from terrorist groups operating around the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, and the Lake Chad Basin.
Despite significant gains recorded by security forces, insurgent attacks, kidnappings, and raids on rural communities remain a major challenge in parts of Borno State and the wider North-East.
The state government reiterated the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration between security agencies and local communities in combating terrorism and preventing future attacks.
