Some abducted residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State have narrated their experiences in captivity from the suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
Hundreds of troops rescued the victims, mostly women and children, who were kidnapped on March 3, 2026, it was reported.
The released victims are now taking refuge at Pulka Internally Displaced Persons camp. They said they survived their ordeal by the grace of god.
“It was horrible and inhuman,” said Zainab Ayuba, one of the rescued women, who lost her husband.
“The experience is horrible and inhuman because I was really sexually molested while in captivity. According to Vanguard “I even prayed for my enemies not to fall prey to Boko Haram terrorists.”
Another victim, 75-year-old Idris Mustapha, said he was lucky to be treated differently from other captives because of his age.
“I thank God and our security agencies for securing our lives,” Mustapha said. I am one of the lucky ones, because I was not molested or treated badly by the terrorists, maybe it is because of my age.
“They fed me three times in a day and felt comfortable.”
Another rescued woman, who gave her name as Hauwa Yusuf, said she endured hunger while in captivity.
She said she was usually given just one meal a day, mostly made up of guinea corn, maize and powdered grains without soup.
Zulum Visits Pulka Camp
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Monday visited Pulka where he interacted with the rescued victims.
The governor said 357 persons were freed in the latest operation, while about 82 others had been released in smaller batches since the abduction.
The victims were abducted from Ngoshe, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area, following an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents earlier in the year.
Zulum commended President Bola Tinubu for his role in efforts to restore peace and secure the release of the abducted residents.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and Gwoza community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts that he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country,” Zulum said.
The governor also lauded the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies involved in the operation.
“I also want to seize this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, the office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security and all other security outfits, including our gallant Civilian JTF, Forest Guards, Vigilante and Hunters, who have contributed immensely in the release of these abducted men, women and children,” Zulum added.
The latest release brought the total number of freed captives to 434, Zulum said.
“We are here to celebrate with the Ngoshe community following the release of the abducted women and children totaling 434. What we saw this morning is about 360 which just came out two days ago. “But two to three weeks ago we also got about other persons, totalling about 434,” he said.
Back To Ngoshe Govt Plans
The governor said the state government had released funds for rehabilitation of the Ngoshe community.
He said work in the community is nearly done and talks are in progress with residents who are ready to come back.
“The government has released millions of naira to rehabilitate the Ngoshe community. The work is almost finished. “We are also interfacing with the community on their return to Ngoshe. Those that are willing to return, we are working with the Nigerian military to make institutional arrangements that will ensure their safe and dignified return,” Zulum said.
He also supervised the distribution of food and non-food relief items to the rescued persons.
The freed victims are now receiving medical and psychological support in a government facility before being reintegrated into their communities.
