Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued a 20-year-old woman who spent approximately five years in Boko Haram captivity after she escaped from a terrorist camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The victim, identified as Ummi Umar, was found by soldiers of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, Ngoshe, during a routine patrol around the Amuda Bridge area on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at about 3:35 p.m. According to military sources, the troops spotted her wandering alone and immediately took her into protective custody. She told her rescuers that she was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents during the 2021 farming season and taken to the Suyaka terrorist camp in the Gava 1 area, where she was held captive for several years. According to her account, she escaped after the insurgents abandoned the camp, giving her the opportunity to flee to safety.
Following her rescue, the troops administered first aid before handing her over to the Ngoshe community leadership through the community head, Bulama Mallam Kunda, for further care and family reunification. The military confirmed that the latest rescue has increased to 117 the number of abductees recovered through the Gwoza East Corridor since the March 3, 2026 terrorist attack on the Ngoshe community, describing it as another milestone in ongoing military efforts to recover victims and weaken insurgent strongholds. The attack on March 3, 2026, saw Boko Haram terrorists abduct hundreds of residents, including women and children, from Ngoshe and surrounding communities. The military subsequently launched a massive rescue operation, freeing at least 360 captives in June 2026, with further recoveries continuing in the weeks that followed.
The rescue of Ummi Umar highlights the persistent efforts of the Nigerian military to locate and free civilians held by terrorist groups in the North-East. Despite the vast and difficult terrain, troops have sustained offensive and intelligence-driven operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves to prevent renewed attacks and facilitate the rescue of more captives. Military sources said the growing number of rescues is attributable to sustained military offensives and regular patrols aimed at flushing out terrorists from the area. The troops have also intensified operations around the Mandara Mountains and other known hideouts, where insurgents have sought refuge. According to military authorities, the general security situation across the North-East has improved, but troops remain vigilant and continue to engage remaining terrorist enclaves.
The escape and rescue of Ummi Umar is a testament to the resilience of victims of terrorism and the commitment of the Nigerian military to protect civilians and restore peace to the region. For the young woman, who was abducted as a teenager and held captive for most of her youth, the rescue marks the beginning of a long journey of healing and reintegration. For the military, it is another step towards the ultimate goal of ending the insurgency and returning all abducted persons to their families. As troops continue their operations, the hope is that more captives will be found and that the people of Borno State can finally look forward to a future free from the shadow of Boko Haram.
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