Nigerian army rescues 360 hostages from Boko Haram stronghold

The Nigerian military announced Sunday that it had rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in the southern part of Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

The operation took place in the Mandara mountains, a key stronghold of the terrorist group, according to an army statement. Abuja has been intensifying pressure on jihadists; last month, Nigerian authorities reported that a joint operation with the United States eliminated 175 ISWAP fighters.

Nigeria faces a severe security crisis, especially in its northern region, where over a decade of jihadist insurgency, combined with a surge in ransom kidnappings and illegal mining, continues to undermine stability.

The United Nations estimates that the conflict in northeastern Nigeria has killed thousands and forced millions to flee their homes. Despite repeated promises by President Bola Tinubu to end the insecurity, many analysts argue that current measures remain insufficient to protect the population.