Nigerian Army troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully rescued 12 teenage girls who were abducted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area in Borno State.
The victims, all aged between 15 and 20, were reportedly seized on November 23 while they were harvesting crops on their family farmlands. The mass abduction had triggered widespread panic across the district, compelling many residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.
The 12 girls rescued from the terrorist enclave have been 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 rescue, the girls were immediately moved to a secure military facility for comprehensive medical evaluation and profiling. Authorities stated that the necessary processes are underway to ensure their prompt reunion with their families.
This successful operation comes amidst a heightened period of military activity in the southern Borno axis. Troops have intensified clearance operations targeting ISWAP remnants believed to be responsible for the persistent cycle of attacks and abductions terrorising local communities.
Parents of the abducted girls have expressed profound relief over the development. In their emotional reactions, they described the rescue as a “major emotional breakthrough” following a harrowing week of fear and agonising uncertainty.
