1,000 Hostages, Mainly Women and Children, Rescued from Boko Haram in Nigeria

The Nigerian Army revealed that close to 1,000 hostages, mainly women and children, have been freed following a massive week-long battle against Islamic radical group Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria.

“ARMY RESCUES OVER 1000 BOKO HARAM CAPTIVES. Troops of 22 Brigade deployed in operation LAFIYA DOLE has rescued over 1000 hostages from the Boko Haram Terrorists enclave,” the Nigeria Army official Twitter page announced on Monday.

“The hostages consisted mainly of women, children as well as some young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters,” it added.

“Speaking with one of the rescued victims, Alhaji Gambo Gulumba from Amchaka village, thanked the Nigerian military for showing them love and care.”

Nigerian Christians and Muslims have been suffering attacks by the radical group since 2009, which has at times managed to take control of entire villages and towns. President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to completely drive the terror group out of the country.

The army affirmed that ambition, saying:

“We wishes to remind the public of its resolve to rout out BH & rescued all hostages. The public is also advised to report any suspicious character to the appropriate authority for prompt action. However, the rescued persons are being attended to in a military medical facility.”

Army spokesman Texas Chukwu told CNN on Tuesday that the week-long operation in Borno state also resulted in the deaths of 50 militants.

The terror group has kidnapped thousands of women and children in several raids over the past few years, including 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno…