The Nigerian army says it freed 360 people from a Boko Haram stronghold in the Mandara mountains of Borno State after an intelligence-led operation. Two infants died from exhaustion sustained during captivity, and most survivors were evacuated for medical and humanitarian aid. The military said it used psychological operations to weaken insurgent cohesion; local sources claim the total freed may exceed 400. The rescue comes amid intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP, following a joint Nigeria-US action that reportedly killed 175 ISWAP fighters.
Nigerian Army Frees 360 From Boko Haram Stronghold in Mandara Mountains — Two Infants Die
Protesters in Abuja against the kidnapping of children in northern Nigeria, June 4, 2026. [Olamikan Gbemiga/AP]
The Nigerian army said it secured the release of 360 people who were taken captive earlier this year by Boko Haram, after a raid on a suspected militant stronghold in the Mandara mountains of southern Borno State.
Operation and Rescue
In a statement on Sunday, military spokesperson Haruna Sani said troops moved on the enclave after gathering intelligence and conducting psychological operations intended to sow mistrust within insurgent ranks. Forces found hundreds of people being held "under harsh conditions" and evacuated the rescued captives to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support.
Casualties and Aftermath
Two infants died; Sani said they "succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain" and the severe conditions endured during captivity. Several fighters fled deeper into surrounding mountains and others surrendered, though the army did not specify whether arrests were completed.
"The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group," the statement said.
Numbers and Local Reports
While the army reported 360 freed captives, a local youth leader and a Borno senator told AFP that the group may have numbered more than 400. Boko Haram had reportedly demanded millions of naira in ransom for the hostages.
Wider Context
Borno State remains a center of Nigeria's long-running insurgency that began in 2009. The group and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), regularly carry out kidnappings and extortion; Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence estimates roughly $1.66 million was collected in ransom payments between July 2024 and June 2025.
Nigeria has intensified operations against these groups. Authorities said a recent joint operation with the United States killed 175 ISWAP fighters and that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIL's second-in-command, was reported killed. The insurgency and related violence have killed tens of thousands and displaced at least two million people across the region.
Humanitarian Note: The rescued people are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance. Local and international agencies will likely need continued access to support survivors and assess longer-term needs for those displaced by the conflict.
Help us improve.
