‘Boko Haram killed my husband, molested me’; Ngoshe abductees recount ordeals

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Some of the people, mostly women and children who were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Ngoshe community of Gwoza local government area of Borno state since 3rd March, 2026, in which the military on Sunday said, troops have rescued 360 of the captives, have expressed their ordeals while in captivity.

The freed victims who are currently taking refuge at Pulka Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp said it was by the Grace of God Almighty that kept them alive.

Recalled that the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, during his visit to Pulka on Monday, where he personally interacted with the rescued victims, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in securing the freedom of over 400 captives.

Narrating her ordeals, a sexually molested woman, whose husband was killed, Zainab Ayuba 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”. She said.

Also, a 75 -year old man, Idris Mustapha, said he was given preferential treatment as he eats three times a day and was camped at a better place  compared to other captives.

His words: “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”. Old Mustapha said.

Another woman victim, who simply gave her name as Hauwa Yusuf, complained that she really suffered hunger; she said she only gets one square meal per day, and the food usually consisted of guinea corn, maize and powdered grains without any substances or soup.

Meanwhile, speaking in Pulka, Governor Zulum confirmed that the latest release comprises 357 persons, while approximately 82 others had regained their freedom spontaneously in smaller batches over the period since their abduction.

The victims were taken from Ngoshe, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents early this year.

Zulum particularly praised President Tinubu for his personal intervention and commitment towards restoring peace, which he said accelerated the negotiation and rescue process.

“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.

Zulum also extended commendations to the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and all other security agencies involved in the operation, acknowledging their professionalism and coordination.

“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.

He explained that while 357 captives were released in the latest coordinated effort, others had been released in phases over the preceding months, bringing the total 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,” Zulum explained.

According to the governor, “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 also directed the distribution of relief materials, comprising food and non-food items, to all the released persons as part of the immediate intervention.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical and psychological support in a government facility, after which they will be reintegrated into their communities.

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