THIS DAWN — The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, bringing a crucial victory in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the Northeast.
The victims — all between the ages of 15 and 20 — were kidnapped last Sunday while harvesting crops on farmlands belonging to their families.
According to military sources, the terrorists had launched a sudden attack on the community, rounding up the girls and attempting to move them into the Sambisa axis.
The abduction, which occurred during the peak of the harvesting season, sent shockwaves through neighbouring communities already grappling with insecurity.
Troops from the 28 Task Force Brigade reportedly acted on actionable intelligence, tracking the movement of the insurgents and engaging them in a fierce operation.
The army said the terrorists were forced to abandon the captives following sustained pressure, enabling the troops to evacuate the girls safely.
Army leadership confirms rescue
Military authorities confirmed that the rescued victims are currently undergoing medical examination and psychological support as part of reintegration procedures.
The Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensives until all terrorist camps are dismantled and remaining captives freed.
Meanwhile, in the Northwest, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called on security agencies to intensify operations against armed bandits terrorising communities in Tsanyawa and Shanono Local Government Areas of Kano State.
In a statement issued on Monday, Barau condemned the renewed attacks on villagers.
He described the situation as unacceptable and a threat to agricultural productivity and rural stability.
He urged security formations to “go after the marauding bandits with full force” and restore normalcy to the affected areas.
Barau also appealed to traditional rulers, vigilante groups, and local residents to collaborate with authorities by providing timely intelligence that could help forestall further attacks.
The developments in Borno and Kano highlight the multi-front security challenges Nigeria continues to battle — from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest.
In the meantime, communities continue to wait for lasting solutions and full restoration of safety.
