Over 400 women and children, previously held captive by the Boko Haram extremist group, were officially transferred to Nigerian authorities in the Borno State on Monday. These individuals were rescued during a recent military operation conducted in the northeastern region of Africa’s most populous nation.

Since 2009, the insurgency spearheaded first by Boko Haram and later by its splinter faction, the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), has left thousands dead and displaced millions across Nigeria’s northeast. Mass abductions, often involving ransom negotiations, have become a recurring tactic employed by these armed groups.

The Nigerian military announced on Sunday that approximately 360 individuals were freed over the weekend, not through direct negotiations with Boko Haram, but as a result of a targeted military operation facilitated by intelligence gathering.

Additionally, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State confirmed that another 82 individuals had been freed “two to three weeks ago,” bringing the total number of rescued hostages to roughly 434. The victims were abducted from Ngoshe, a village situated less than 10 kilometers from the Cameroonian border, within the rugged terrain of the Gwoza hills—a known stronghold of Boko Haram. This area has faced relentless attacks by Islamist militants over the years.

“We thank Allah for this rescue,” shared Hassana Buba, a 43-year-old survivor, speaking from the Pulka displacement camp where the freed individuals were handed over to local officials. “We are deeply grateful and celebrate this moment,” she added.

While government officials deny paying ransoms, security analysts note that such payments are a widespread practice, involving not only militant groups but also families of victims attempting to secure releases. Between July 2024 and June 2025, approximately $1.66 million was reportedly paid in ransoms to various armed factions in Nigeria, including jihadists, armed bandits, and separatist groups, according to findings by a Lagos-based intelligence firm.