Troops Rescue 12 Kidnapped Girls in Borno After Coordinated Military Offensive
Story: Written by Daniel December 1,2025
Twelve young girls aged between 15 and 20 have been safely rescued days after they were abducted on November 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands. The incident had intensified fear across several rural communities in southern Borno, an area already troubled by repeated insurgent attacks.
Their rescue was confirmed on Saturday, November 29, following a targeted, intelligence-led operation carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. According to military officials, the mission was conducted with “swift precision,” resulting in the successful recovery of all the abducted victims.
The Army disclosed that the girls were immediately transported to a secured military facility, where they are receiving medical attention, psychological support, and undergoing necessary debriefing. They will be reunited with their families once these procedures are completed.
The rescued victims include: 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).
The Army described the operation as a significant morale booster for both security personnel and local residents, who had been anxious since the abduction occurred. Commanders commended the troops for their courage and professionalism and acknowledged the critical intelligence received from community informants and security partners.
Troops are currently intensifying efforts to track down fleeing ISWAP operatives in order to prevent counterattacks and reinforce security in the region. The military further encouraged residents to remain supportive and continue providing credible information, stressing that collective cooperation is vital to sustaining progress in the fight against insurgency.
