Nigeria: Hundreds of kidnapped women, children freed from Boko Haram jihadists
AI Summary
Nigerian security forces freed approximately 360 to 400 women, children, and men from a mountain enclave controlled by Boko Haram in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria during an intelligence-led operation over the weekend. The exact circumstances of the release remained unclear—the military credited a successful rescue operation while local sources reported the jihadist group itself released the captives—and authorities denied any ransom was paid. Two children reportedly died in captivity; the operation represents a significant recovery of hostages from the group that has conducted a 17-year insurgency characterized by mass abductions.
Hundreds of women and children who were kidnapped by jihadist group Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria were freed over the weekend, local representatives said.
It was not immediately clear how the victims' release was secured, although the military said it had executed an "intelligence-led rescue operation". ...