Dozens of Children Still in Captivity as 360 Regain Freedom in Borno Rescue Operation
The rescue of 360 civilians abducted from Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State has brought relief to many families, but attention is now shifting to the safety of children still in insurgent captivity.
Among those yet to regain freedom are teenage boys and girls believed to be held separately by Boko Haram fighters in the Mandara Mountains.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai confirmed that the large-scale rescue followed weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated military action. The freed individuals, mostly elderly men, women, and younger children, were evacuated from difficult mountainous terrain after sustained operations targeting insurgent positions.
Military officials said the operation involved precision strikes and ground movement that forced insurgents to flee, allowing hostages to be secured and moved to safety for medical attention. However, authorities acknowledged that some children, particularly teenagers, were not released during the operation.
Survivors who regained freedom said younger boys and girls were separated and left behind. They estimated that dozens of adolescents remain in captivity, raising urgent concerns among child protection observers about their safety and psychological wellbeing.
Families receiving the freed individuals in Pulka described scenes of relief mixed with anguish, as several parents confirmed that their children were not among those returned. Many of the rescued civilians appeared exhausted and traumatized after weeks in harsh conditions.
Child safeguarding concerns have intensified as reports suggest that children still in captivity may be at risk of forced recruitment, exploitation, or other forms of abuse commonly associated with prolonged abduction in conflict zones.
Security officials have assured that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue all remaining captives. Military sources say follow-up operations and intelligence-driven missions are continuing in the Mandara Mountains area.
As celebrations continue for those freed, families of those still missing are calling for sustained and intensified rescue efforts, stressing that every child and teenager in captivity must be accounted for and safely returned.
