Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued a 20-year-old woman who spent five years in Boko Haram captivity after she escaped from a terrorist camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victim, identified as Ummi Umar, was found by soldiers during a routine patrol around the Amuda Bridge area at about 3:35 p.m. on Wednesday, according to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.
Security sources said the troops spotted Umar wandering alone and immediately took her into protective custody.
According to Umar, she was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents during the 2021 farming season and taken to the Suyaka terrorist camp in Gava 1, where she remained in captivity for five years.
She explained that she seized an opportunity to escape after the insurgents abandoned the camp.
Following her rescue, the troops administered first aid before handing her over to the Ngoshe community leadership, through the community head, Bulama Mallam Kunda, to facilitate her care and eventual reunion with her family.
According to Zagazola Makama, Umar’s rescue brings the number of abductees rescued through the Gwoza East corridor since the March 3, 2026 terrorist attack to 117.
The publication noted that the latest rescue reflects the progress being made through sustained military patrols and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
It added that although the security situation in the region has improved, troops remain on high alert and continue operations against remaining Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds.
Source: Zagazola Makama
