There is no peace for the people of Borno state since the inception of Boko Haram. After the recent attack, the Nigerian Army rescued the hostages from Boko Haram. The issues of abduction in the country have caused a lot of trauma to many citizens of Nigeria.
As the Nigerian Army rescued Boko Haram Hostages, 360 were saved. However, two children with their ages and names not known died before the rescue operation. These two children could not make it with the 360 people saved during the rescue operation.
The rescue of the 360 people is one of the largest single hostage releases from Boko Haram in recent years. However, the death of the two children has tempered the joy and reminded Nigerians of the brutal cost of insurgency.
What the Army Did and How the Nigerian Army Rescues Boko Haram Hostages
Nigerian Army rescues Boko Haram hostages on the June 6, 2026 and it was publicly announced on June 7, 2026 that 360 were saved, but 2 children died.
The location of this Boko haram hideout is in the Mandara mountains in southern Borno state which is close to the Cameroon border. The Boko haram have used this hideout over the years.
The army used a combination of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) including informants inside or near the group, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) like intercepting communications, and Aerial Surveillance which includes drones and reconnaissance aircraft for the successful rescue operation.
Troops from the Joint Task Force Operation, HADIN KAI, alongside Special Forces and Sector 1 personnel executed the mission in the Mandara Mountains which forced fighters to flee their fortified camp.
The operation involved speed and precision to cut off escape routes and overwhelm the terrorists before they could mount a strong defence. Even thou there were clashes during the operation, but the military said they successfully overpowered the insurgents.
The Two Babies Who Did Not Survive and Why Their Deaths Matter
Even with the rescue of 360 people, two children died as a result of being too young and fragile to survive the starvation, cold nights, lack of medical care, and difficult movement in the rocky mountains, the presidential spokesperson said.
Many Nigerians see the death of the two children as symbols of the thousands of children who have suffered and died in the 17-year Boko Haram insurgency. Their deaths have made the celebration of the rescue not too interesting.
This incidence has intensified public anger and demands for better protection of rural communities, faster response to abductions, and improved intelligence of military operations to prevent such long periods of captivity.
Who Are the JAS Boko Haram Faction and Why Are They Still Operating in 2026
The military said members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, known as JAS are the main Boko Haram faction that abducted these hostages from their multiple communities and were holding them in a remote mountain camp before troops forced the fighters to flee.
Boko Haram started in 2002 in Maiduguri under the control of a young cleric named Mohammed Yusuf. Mohammed Yusuf used systemic government corruption, high levels of poverty, and regional neglect to recruit vulnerable young people.
However, the group split into factions, which are the ISWAP and JAS. ISWAP is becoming increasingly dominant while JAS has continued operating in the mountains and border regions of Borno and Cameroon.
Final Thoughts as Nigerian Army Rescues Boko Haram
Last month the Nigerian government announced that a joint operation with the United States had killed 175 ISWAP fighters which shows an intensification of counter-terrorism cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners in 2026.
The rescue of the hostages deserves to be celebrated, but the rising issue of insecurity has become a major concern for the citizens of Nigeria.
Do you think Nigeria is doing enough to protect its citizens from Boko Haram and other armed groups? Tell us what you think should happen next. EasySmallTalk covers politics, entertainment, health, lifestyle, and world news every day. Explore more stories on EasySmallTalk
