Twelve persons abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area have escaped captivity following a military offensive on a Boko Haram hideout.
Sources disclosed that the escape occurred after troops launched bombardments on insurgents’ positions, forcing the terrorists to abandon some captives while fleeing with others.
The victims were among 416 persons reportedly abducted during the March 4 attack on Ngoshe community and a nearby military base in the area.
A local source in Pulka said the 12 escapees, comprising 10 males and two females, took advantage of the confusion created by the military operation to flee the insurgents’ camp.
“One of the victims said the military operations forced the insurgents to abandon some captives and escape with the majority of those held,” the source said.
President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the development, stating that the victims escaped on Wednesday and were now safe in a nearby town.
He noted that despite the successful escape, about 404 victims were still believed to be in captivity, stressing the need for intensified rescue efforts.
Kaigama added that the abductees were taken during the attack on March 4, which forced many residents to flee Ngoshe to neighbouring communities, including Pulka.
The development comes days after a faction of Boko Haram, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad, reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum to authorities, demanding ransom and warning against attempts to rescue the captives by force.
Security analysts say the latest escape highlights the ongoing humanitarian concerns in communities affected by insurgency in parts of Borno State, where hundreds of civilians remain vulnerable to attacks and abductions.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement confirming the number of rescued victims or details of the military operation.
