The Borno State government says 360 people abducted by armed groups have been rescued from the Mandara Mountains, a long-standing hideout for fighters in the southern part of the state, insisting that no ransom was paid for their release.
In a statement on Monday, the government dismissed reports suggesting that negotiations involving payment led to the victims’ freedom, describing the operation as a coordinated security breakthrough.
Usman Tar, the state commissioner for information and internal security, made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme.
“The rescue of the 360 abductees was achieved through a daring and well-coordinated military operation. No ransom was paid,” Tar said, rejecting claims circulating in some media reports.
The Mandara Mountains, located along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, have long served as a stronghold for armed groups operating in the region, including factions linked to the Boko Haram insurgency.
Authorities say security operations in the area have intensified in recent months as part of broader efforts to weaken armed networks and rescue civilians held captive.
The latest development comes amid continued insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast, where military operations and sporadic attacks by armed groups have persisted for more than a decade.
