Troops ‘rescue’ 12 teenage girls abducted by ISWAP in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by ISWAP terrorists in Mussa district of Askira/Uba LGA, Borno state.

The girls were seized on November 23 while harvesting crops on their farms.

The ISWAP attack on the district had prompted many residents to flee to neighbouring communities.

Quoting security sources, Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, said the operation to free the girls took place on Saturday.

It is not immediately clear whether ransom was paid to secure the release of the girls.

The girls were identified as Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamidu (17).

Following their release, the teenagers were moved to a military facility for medical evaluation and profiling, after which they will be reunited with their families.

SPATE OF ATTACKS, ABDUCTIONS, KILLINGS

Northern Nigeria has witnessed a rise in kidnappings and killings in recent weeks, including two high-profile attacks involving schoolchildren.

A military convoy was ambushed in Borno by ISWAP fighters, and M. Uba, a brigadier general, was captured alive before the terrorists eventually executed him.

There have also been abductions and killings across Zamfara, Sokoto and Yobe states.

Over 200 schoolchildren were kidnapped from schools in Niger and Kebbi states, while 38 worshippers were abducted in a church in Kwara during a livestreamed service.

Days after the Niger abduction, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said 50 students had escaped from their captors. At least 250 students are believed to still be in captivity.

Unlike the Niger incident, where many remain captive, the 24 schoolgirls kidnapped in Kebbi regained their freedom on November 25, while the 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara have also been freed.