The Nigerian Army has rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on November 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands. They regained freedom on Saturday, November 29, after a swift, intelligence-driven operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in southern Borno.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, the rescued girls have been moved to a secure military facility where they are receiving medical attention, psychological support and debriefing. They are expected to be reunited with their families after the ongoing stabilisation process.
The girls were identified as Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamidu (17).
The Army high command commended the troops for their professionalism and the security stakeholders and local informants whose timely intelligence contributed to the successful rescue.
Security forces are continuing operations in the area to track down fleeing ISWAP elements and prevent further attacks.
The Army urged communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the region.
