The Nigerian military’s offensive against insurgents in Borno State has led to the escape of 12 victims held by Boko Haram in the Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area.
The escape occurred on Wednesday during a tactical bombardment of a terrorist hideout, forcing the insurgents to flee and abandon some of their captives. The development comes just hours after the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the Imam Abu Ubaida-led faction of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad. The group had previously threatened to kill or permanently relocate the victims if the government attempted a rescue or failed to pay a ransom.
A security source in Pulka confirmed that the escapees—consisting of 10 males and two females—managed to flee during the chaos of the military operation.
In a statement, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed that the escapees are now safe in a nearby town. He identified them as Aisha Audu (20), Hajara Audu (18 months), Aisha Idrisa (17), Hafsat Idrisa (4 months), Aisha Abubakar Bama (22), Maryam Umar (11 months), Zainabu Umar Mbasuwa (22), Salma Abubakar (2 months), Musa Umar (7), Suleiman Umar (9), Aisha Abubakar (17), and Aisha Musa (10).
While celebrating the return of the twelve, Kaigama noted that 404 victims remain in captivity following the March 4 attack on the Ngoshe military base and community. Many survivors of that attack had previously relocated to Pulka as the Youth Alliance attempted to negotiate a safe release.
