The Cameroon Defence Force has rescued four Nigerians who escaped from Boko Haram and ISWAP captivity. The victims, comprising one male and three females, were handed over to troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) at Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Mass Rescue Operations
The four individuals are part of a larger group of 181 kidnapped victims rescued by troops between May 25 and May 28, 2026, according to the Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Michael Onoja. He revealed that 148 victims, including two males and 146 women and children, were rescued by troops of Operation Savannah Shield from terrorists suspected to be operating from the Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State.
Details of the Rescues
Preliminary investigations indicate that the 148 victims were kidnapped over three months ago from Galma Village in Wamba District of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. After their rescue, they were escorted to the Local Government Area Headquarters in Bangi, where they were handed over to local authorities for reunification with their families.
Additionally, 31 other kidnapped victims were rescued from Zamfara State along the Bagega–Kawaye Road in Anka Local Government Area. These victims had spent several weeks in captivity but managed to escape following an airstrike by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships west of Bagega Forest.
Terrorist Neutralizations and Arrests
Major General Onoja reported that 16 terrorists were neutralized and 10 were arrested during the four-day period. He emphasized that these achievements demonstrate the professionalism, valor, and unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the nation.
Drug Seizure in Benue
In a related operation, a follow-up on an arrested suspected drug peddler in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State on May 23, 2026, led to the seizure of a Toyota vehicle owned by Akor Ochai Jacob, suspected of being used for distributing illicit substances. A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 503 pieces of suspected illicit drugs, 138 pieces of a substance suspected to be Ice (methamphetamine), an unspecified amount of money, and other sundry items.
