The Nigerian army has successfully rescued hundreds of hostages, primarily women and children, who had been held captive by the extremist group Boko Haram. The operation, which took place in the northeast region of Nigeria, led to the liberation of 209 children, 135 women, and six men from a Boko Haram hideout in Sambisa Forest. This forest, which spans the border with Cameroon and Niger, has long served as a refuge for the jihadist group, allowing them to launch attacks across multiple countries.
The military operation, described as lasting several days, resulted in the deaths of some Boko Haram militants and the destruction of their dwellings. The rescued hostages were found in a state of exhaustion and wearing tattered clothes after enduring prolonged and harsh conditions. Among the hostages were young girls with babies, likely born from rape and forced marriages. One of the women, held captive with her seven children, expressed that her inability to escape was due to the fear of leaving her children behind.
