In a major victory against insurgency, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The girls, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on November 23 while working on their family farmlands.
Their rescue came on Saturday, November 29, after soldiers in the southern Borno axis launched a swift, intelligence-driven assault on the terrorists’ hideout.
According to military authorities, the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a secure facility, where they are undergoing comprehensive medical examinations, psychological support, and operational debriefing.
According to officials, the girls will be formally reunited with their families once clearance procedures are completed.
The Army also released the identities of the rescued teenagers. They are:
• 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)
• Hauwa Hamidu (17)
The military high command commended the “doggedness, courage, and professionalism” of the troops, noting that the operation was bolstered by credible intelligence from local informants and community security stakeholders.
Security operations have been intensified across southern Borno as troops continue to pursue fleeing insurgents and dismantle remaining ISWAP cells to prevent further attacks on vulnerable farming communities.
An Army spokesman reaffirmed the military’s resolve to “stamp out terrorism from Nigeria’s Northeast and ensure citizens can live and work safely without fear.”
