Nigerian Army Rescues 12 Abducted Teenage Girls in Borno State

THE Nigerian Army has freed 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, following a swift intelligence-driven operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.

The girls, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on 23 November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands.

Troops located and rescued them on Saturday, 29 November, during a coordinated mission in the southern Borno axis.

In a video posted on its official Facebook page and a statement posted on its official X handle, the Army confirmed the successful operation and revealed that the victims have been relocated to a secure military facility.

It was also confirmed that the victims are currently receiving medical attention, psychological support and undergoing standard debriefing procedures.

The Army listed the rescued girls 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).

According to the statement, the girls will be formally reunited with their families once all necessary processes are completed.

 Their rescue has brought significant relief to the community, which had been living in fear since the abduction.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their bravery and rapid response, while also acknowledging the support of security partners and local informants whose timely intelligence contributed to the successful outcome.

Troops are continuing offensive operations across southern Borno to track down remaining ISWAP elements and prevent further attacks on civilians.

The Army urged communities to sustain their support by providing credible information, stressing that collective efforts remain crucial in defeating terrorism and restoring long-term security to the region.

“The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State.

“The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on 23 November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands and were freed on Saturday, 29 November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis.

“The rescued girls have been evacuated to a secure military facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing.

“Upon completion of these processes, they will be formally reunited with their families.

“Their recovery has brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear following the abduction,” the statement read in part.