Twelve residents abducted during an attack on the Ngoshe community in Borno State have reportedly escaped from Boko Haram captivity, security sources have confirmed.
The escapees, mostly women and children, were said to have fled their captors in the Sambisa Forest and trekked for several days before reaching troops in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The victims were among more than 416 residents kidnapped when insurgents attacked Ngoshe over two months ago, killing an unspecified number of people and displacing thousands. The Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), which has been acting as an intermediary between affected families and the insurgents, confirmed the development.
“We are pleased to announce that the women and children previously held in Ngoshe captivity have reportedly escaped and are now safe in a nearby town,” said the group’s president, Samaila Kaigama.He disclosed that the 12 escapees include 10 females and two males.
Despite the development, the group warned that many victims remain in captivity. “While we are grateful for this development, a larger number of victims are still believed to be held by the terrorists,” Kaigama added.
Authorities have withheld details of the escapees’ current location for security reasons. Meanwhile, concerns have heightened following a recent video released by a Boko Haram faction, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad, which challenged the Nigerian government over any attempt at a military rescue.
In the video, the group warned that failure to meet its demands within 72 hours could result in the captives being moved to undisclosed locations. Security analysts say the situation underscores the complexity of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region, as efforts continue to secure the release of those still held captive.”
