The army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls who were kidnapped 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 taken on November 23, 2025, while they were harvesting crops on their family farms.
They were freed on Saturday, November 29, during a rapid, intelligence-driven operation by troops from ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ in southern Borno.
In a statement released on Saturday night, November 29, the army reported that the rescued girls have been taken to a secure military facility where they are receiving thorough medical care, psychological support, and debriefing.
“Once these processes are completed, they will be formally reunited with their families. Their rescue has brought great relief to the community, which had been living in fear since the abduction,” the statement noted.
The rescued individuals include 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).
Read also:
- Bandits abduct 10 in fresh attack on Kano border communities
- Again, bandits attack Kwara community, abduct pregnant woman, nursing mothers, others
- Bandits demand N100 Million ransom for each of 38 abducted worshippers from Eruku Church
The army praised the determination of the troops for their quick response and acknowledged the vital assistance from security partners and local informants whose timely information facilitated the successful rescue.
“Troops are continuing to track down ISWAP remnants throughout southern Borno to prevent further attacks and protect civilians.
“The Nigerian Army urges communities to keep supporting ongoing operations by providing reliable and timely information, stressing that collaborative efforts are crucial for defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting security,” the statement added.
