Security forces rescue 40 women, children abducted by Boko Haram in Niger

Security forces rescue 40 women, children abducted by Boko Haram in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces in Niger State have rescued 40 women and children abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during coordinated attacks on several communities in Munya Local Government Area in 2024.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led rescue operations launched earlier this month by a combined team of security operatives, which uncovered that the victims had been abducted from the communities of Madaka, Allawa, and Sarkin-Pawa in April 2024.

“During the attacks, a number of women were forcibly taken by insurgents and married off to members of the sect. Some of them gave birth while in captivity,” he said.

The sources noted that the victims were rescued from terrorist custody and brought safely to the Police Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where they are receiving medical attention and undergoing debriefing.

A comprehensive list released by the command showed that the 40 rescued persons include 13 women and 27 children.

Rescued women include: Zuwaira Ahmed, Zahia Ibrahim, Zainab Sani, Hajara Mohammed, Saratu Garba, Qamariya Ibrahim, Asabe Luka, Hauwa Ibrahim, Tani Ali, Salima Usman, Hauwa Musa, Hauwa Ibrahim, and Murja Salihu.

Rescued female children include:Zainab Mohammed, Maryam Mohammed, Fatima Mohammed, Zainab Janidu, Zulira Umar, Maryam Umar, Nuratu Nura, Ruma Salihu, Nafisa Ibrahim, Ramatu Adamu, Hafsat Isiyaku, Farida Haruna, Rabi Nasiru, and Khadija Basiru.

Rescued male children include: Aliyu Abubakar, Abdullahi Ahmed, Zahidu Abdulrahman, Yusuf Abubakar, Choice Amos, Desire Amos, Ibrahim Mustapha, and Umar Zanaidu.

The security sources stated that joint operations are still ongoing, as security forces continue efforts to track down remaining captives and dismantle insurgent hideouts in the region.

He assured that all rescued victims are receiving medical care, psychological support, and would be reunited with their families after thorough evaluation and counseling.
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