At least 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State have reportedly regained their freedom after being released by Boko Haram insurgents, according to local youth leaders and community sources.
The victims were among hundreds of residents kidnapped earlier this year when Boko Haram fighters attacked Ngoshe. Their captivity drew national attention after the insurgents released several videos showing the hostages and issuing threats to the Nigerian government.
Borno South Youth Alliance officials confirmed the release on Saturday, describing it as a major relief for families who had spent months waiting for news of their loved ones.
The 416 captives, mostly women and children, had been held by the Boko Haram faction Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS). Earlier reports indicated that the group had demanded a ₦5 billion ransom and threatened to execute hostages if negotiations failed.
The development comes just as the Nigerian military separately announced the rescue of 360 abductees from terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State. However, reports indicate that the release of the 416 Ngoshe captives was distinct from that military rescue operation.
As of Sunday, authorities had not released full details on the circumstances of the captives’ freedom, including whether negotiations, mediation efforts, or other arrangements led to their release.
The return of the victims marks the end of a months-long ordeal that had sparked widespread concern across Borno State and among humanitarian groups monitoring the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
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