In a development that highlights both the ongoing security challenges and resilience of civilians in Nigeria’s Northeast, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have received three persons who recently escaped from Boko Haram captivity in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The escapees—two women and a child—arrived at a military location on March 14, 2026, after managing to flee from their captors who had abducted them during a brutal attack on Ngoshe community.
The Victims and Their Ordeal
According to military sources who spoke with security analyst Zagazola Makama, the escapees have been identified as:
– Aishatu Dahiru, a 67-year-old woman
– Aisha Ali, 43 years old
– Asta Ali, a minor whose age was not disclosed
These three individuals represent just a fraction of the residents taken during the recent insurgent operation in Ngoshe, a community that has repeatedly suffered attacks over the years.
Inside the Terror Camps
During preliminary screening by security operatives, the victims provided crucial intelligence about the terrorists’ operations. They revealed that after their abduction, they were initially transported to a terrorist enclave in Gava. Other captives from the same raid were reportedly separated and moved to different camps in Chinene and Ghiraza areas.
This information sheds light on the network of camps that Boko Haram continues to maintain across the difficult terrain of Borno State, despite years of military operations against them.
The Attack Coordinators
Perhaps most troubling was the escapees’ revelation about the coordination of the Ngoshe attack. According to their account, the assault was carried out by insurgents mobilized from various camps across the region.
They specifically identified two individuals:
– Sule Shuaibu (also known as Dafa)
– Dabbaba
Both men are allegedly former members of the local hybrid security forces in Ngoshe who defected to join the terrorist group. This represents a concerning pattern where individuals entrusted with community protection switch sides, potentially providing insurgents with valuable local intelligence.
Threats and Intimidation
The victims also disclosed that the terrorists issued stark warnings to all captives: anyone attempting to escape toward Pulka town would be killed whenever insurgents launch future attacks on that area. This threat reveals the terrorists’ strategy of using fear to control their captives while simultaneously planning future operations.
Military Response
Military sources confirmed that all three escapees have been properly screened and documented according to standard security procedures. They are receiving necessary assistance and remain in military custody while further administrative processes are completed.
This screening is essential not only for their welfare but also to gather intelligence that could help locate other captives and prevent future attacks.
The Bigger Picture
This incident underscores the reality that despite significant military gains against Boko Haram and its splinter groups, pockets of terrorist activity persist in parts of Borno State. Communities in the Gwoza area, which borders Cameroon, remain particularly vulnerable.
The escape of these three individuals offers hope to families of other captives while providing security forces with valuable information about terrorist locations and operations. However, it also serves as a reminder that the insurgency in the Northeast, which began in 2009, continues to exact a heavy toll on civilian populations.
As Operation Hadin Kai continues its efforts to restore peace and security to the Northeast, stories like this one highlight both the challenges that remain and the courage of civilians who risk everything to regain their freedom.
The Nigerian military continues to encourage civilians with information about terrorist activities to report to the nearest security formation, while assuring that all reports will be treated with confidentiality.
Check buzzUp9ja for more details
Be the first to comment