Some residents of the Ngoshe community in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, who were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, have recounted their experiences in captivity.
Egalitarian Voice reports that the victims, mostly women and children, were abducted on March 3, 2026, before troops rescued hundreds of them in a recent operation.
The freed victims are currently taking refuge at the Pulka Internally Displaced Persons camp. They said it was by the grace of God that they survived their ordeal.
One of the rescued women, Zainab Ayuba, whose husband was reportedly killed, described her experience as horrible and inhuman.
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According to Vanguard, she said, “The experience is horrible and inhuman, because I was seriously molested sexually while in captivity. I prayed for even my enemies not to fall prey to Boko Haram terrorists.”
Another victim, a 75-year-old man, Idris Mustapha, said he was fortunate to have been treated differently from other captives because of his age.
Mustapha said, “I thank God and our security agencies for securing our lives. As for me, I am one of the lucky ones, because I was not molested or treated badly by the terrorists, maybe it’s because of my age.
“They gave me food three times in a day and felt comfortable.”
Another rescued woman, who identified herself simply as Hauwa Yusuf, said she suffered hunger while in captivity.
She said she was usually given only one meal a day, mostly made up of guinea corn, maize and powdered grains without soup.
Zulum Visits Pulka Camp
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, visited Pulka on Monday, where he interacted with the rescued victims.
The governor said 357 persons were released in the latest operation, while about 82 others had regained their freedom in smaller batches since the abduction.
The victims were abducted from Ngoshe, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area, after an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents earlier in the year.
Zulum commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his role in efforts to restore peace and secure the release of the abducted residents.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and Gwoza community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts that he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country,” Zulum stated.
The governor also praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies involved in the operation.
The governor also praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies involved in the operation.
“I also want to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, the office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security and all other security agencies, including our gallant Civilian JTF, Forest Guards, Vigilante and Hunters, who have participated immensely in ensuring the release of these abducted men, women and children,” Zulum added.
Zulum explained that the latest release brought the total number of freed captives to 434.
“We are here to felicitate with the Ngoshe community following the release of the abducted women and children numbering about 434. What we saw this morning is about 360, released two days ago. But some two to three weeks ago, we also received about other persons, totalling about 434,” he said.
Govt Plans Return To Ngoshe
The governor said the state government had released funds for the rehabilitation of the Ngoshe community.
According to him, work in the community is almost complete, while discussions are ongoing with residents willing to return.
“Government has released millions of naira to rehabilitate the Ngoshe community. So far, the work is nearly complete. We are also interfacing with the community about their return to Ngoshe; those that are willing to return, we are working with the Nigerian military to establish institutional arrangements that will ensure their safe and dignified return,” Zulum said.
He also directed the distribution of food and non-food relief items to the rescued persons.
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The freed victims are currently receiving medical and psychological support in a government facility before their reintegration into their communities.
