Troops of ‘Operation Haɗin Kai, (OPHK) have rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Mussa district, of Askira/Uba local government area of Borno state.
The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on November 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands. They were freed on Saturday, November 29, after what military authorities described as a swift and intelligence-driven operation in the southern Borno axis.
A statement from the Nigerian Army said the girls were immediately evacuated to a secure military facility where they are currently receiving medical care, psychological support, and undergoing standard debriefing. They will be reunited with their families upon the completion of these procedures.
The rescued victims were identified as: Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiyya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Sa’idu (15), and Hauwa Hamidu (17).
The Army high command praised the professionalism and resilience of the troops involved in the operation and acknowledged the vital contributions of security partners and local informants, whose timely intelligence aided the successful rescue.
The Nigerian Army said its forces continue to pursue ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and protect civilian communities.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, emphasising that sustained collaboration is critical to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the region.
