At least 416 residents of Borno State have regained their freedom months after they were abducted by insurgents in series of coordinated attacks on communities in the state.
The victims, mostly women, children, and elderly persons, were released over the weekend following negotiations between the military and intermediaries, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai.
“They have been reunited with their families after undergoing medical screening and debriefing,” the statement read. The freed hostages included persons abducted from Mafa, Dikwa, and Ngala local government areas between December 2025 and February 2026.
Governor Babagana Zulum received the freed residents at the Government House in Maiduguri, where he assured them of psychosocial support and livelihood assistance.
“We thank God for their safe return. The government will not abandon them,” Zulum said.
The military did not disclose whether any ransom was paid but reiterated its commitment to securing the release of all remaining captives. Security analysts have described the development as a major breakthrough amid ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria.
Contact: info@cdanews.ng | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
