The military said the victims were freed from Kangarwa village in the Lake Chad region following sustained ground and air offensives targeting insurgent enclaves
KaNo—
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, who were held captive by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military said the victims were freed from Kangarwa village in the Lake Chad region following sustained ground and air offensives targeting insurgent enclaves.
The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, the success of the operation was largely due to intensified military pressure, which forced the insurgents to abandon their positions and flee in disarray.
“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region,” Goni said.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity.”
“The rescued persons are currently being attended to by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian assistance is being provided in collaboration with relevant agencies to facilitate their reintegration,” he said.
The military noted that the latest rescue underscores ongoing efforts not only to degrade insurgent capabilities in the North-east but also to secure the release of civilians abducted during attacks on communities across the region.
Communities in Kukawa Local Government Area have repeatedly suffered attacks, abductions and large-scale displacement, forcing thousands of residents to seek refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Security analysts say women and children make up a significant proportion of those held captive by insurgent groups, many of whom are abducted during raids on rural communities or while travelling between settlements.
The military has in recent months intensified coordinated air and ground operations aimed at dismantling insurgent hideouts amid renewed concerns over sporadic attacks on both civilian populations and military formations.
The rescue operation also comes against the backdrop of continued concern over civilians still in captivity in Borno State.
As of the latest updates, the abducted learners remain in captivity, a situation that has drawn public outrage and prompted protests by the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Maiduguri.
Goni reiterated that the Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining the offensive against insurgents until lasting peace is restored in the region.
“The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” he said.
Eight Killed In Kebbi Farmer-Herder Clash
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that eight persons were killed in a violent clash between crop farmers and cattle herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, was reportedly triggered by a dispute over alleged destruction of farmland by cattle.
Police spokesperson, Bashir Usman, said in a statement on Tuesday that the violence began at about 3 p.m. when cattle being grazed by a herder identified as Yaron Dogo allegedly strayed into a farm belonging to Aminu Ala, destroying crops.
According to the police, an argument ensued between the two men, during which the herder allegedly stabbed the farmer in the neck, resulting in his death.
“The mob, thereafter, carried out further attacks on members of the affected community,” Usman said.
Despite efforts by security operatives to restore order, the violence escalated, leading to the deaths of four additional persons whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
Police later recovered two more corpses from a nearby farmland, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.
The command said five persons, including a woman, were rescued by security personnel during the incident and taken to safety at the Argungu Police Station.
“The police subsequently rescued five persons, including one woman, who were trapped during the incident and moved them to safety,” the statement said.
Authorities have since launched a joint security operation in the area to prevent further violence and ensure the restoration of peace.
Following the clash, the Kebbi State Government imposed a curfew on the affected community as security agencies intensified patrols and surveillance operations.
Police authorities said calm was gradually returning to the area, although investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar Hadejia, urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The twin developments highlight the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, ranging from insurgency in the North-east to communal clashes in other parts of the country.
While military operations continue to yield successes in rescuing abducted civilians and degrading insurgent capabilities, incidents such as the Kebbi clash underscore the need for conflict resolution mechanisms and improved security presence at the grassroots level.
Observers say sustained collaboration among security agencies, community leaders and government authorities will be critical in addressing these challenges and ensuring long-term peace and stability across affected regions.
