Security forces in Nigeria have successfully liberated 360 captives from kidnappers who were holding them in a remote mountain stronghold located in Borno state’s northeastern region, military officials announced Sunday following an intelligence-driven mission.
The West African country’s administration has faced ongoing challenges for many years in addressing security threats, including conflicts between herders and farmers in central regions, as well as kidnapping operations, Islamist extremists, and community defense groups operating throughout northern areas.
The captives had been detained by militants from Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) in a remote location within the Mandara mountains in the state’s southern region, according to military officials. JAS represents the Arabic designation for Boko Haram’s primary faction.
The victims had been taken from different local communities in the region during an undetermined timeframe.
A combined task force including specialized military units conducted the liberation mission, compelling JAS militants to retreat from their stronghold positions, military sources reported.
Military officials confirmed that two young captives perished from exhaustion and the severe conditions they endured while being held prisoner.
The ongoing wave of abductions and the growing influence of armed organizations throughout Nigeria — the continent’s most populated nation — are expected to become major campaign topics leading up to the presidential vote scheduled for January.
