A joint military operation in northeastern Nigeria has resulted in the liberation of more than 300 civilians held captive by Boko Haram insurgents, officials confirmed on Friday. The rescue mission, conducted over three days in the Sambisa Forest region, was supported by British intelligence assets, marking a significant success in the decade-long campaign against the extremist group.
According to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, ground troops from the army and air force personnel executed coordinated strikes on multiple militant camps, neutralising at least 50 fighters. The freed hostages, mostly women and children, were found in deplorable conditions, with reports of severe malnutrition and untreated injuries. They have been evacuated to a displacement camp in Maiduguri for medical screening and psychological support.
British intelligence provided real-time satellite imagery and signals intercepts that helped pinpoint the location of the hideout, said a senior UK government official speaking on condition of anonymity. The support was part of a longstanding capacity-building agreement between London and Abuja to counter violent extremism in the Lake Chad basin. The UK has trained more than 34,000 Nigerian troops since 2015 and maintains a small advisory team in the region.
The operation comes amid a broader crackdown on Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province. While the group has been territorially degraded since its peak in 2014, it continues to launch attacks on soft targets and hold civilians in remote areas. Human rights organisations have documented at least 1,200 abductions linked to the insurgency in the past year alone.
Pentagon sources in Washington separately confirmed that US drones provided unarmed surveillance assistance for the rescue, though American forces did not participate directly on the ground. The multinational coordination underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram despite years of international effort.
A spokesperson for the Nigerian presidency said in a statement that the operation "demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our armed forces and international partners to bring an end to the scourge of terrorism." The rescued individuals are being processed and will receive shelter, food, and medical care before being reunited with their families where possible.
Analysts caution that while the rescue is tactically significant, the underlying drivers of the conflict remain unaddressed. Poverty, weak governance, and climate change continue to fuel recruitment by extremist groups in the region. The UK Foreign Office reiterated its support for Nigeria's stabilisation initiatives but has not announced any new financial commitment.
The rescued civilians include several elderly men and a group of young girls who had been forced into marriage with fighters. Local officials say some of the captives had been held for more than two years. Military commanders expressed hope that the operation would disrupt Boko Haram's ability to regroup in the Sambisa stronghold, though intelligence assessments suggest the group retains a presence in surrounding areas.
A joint press conference is expected in Abuja later today to release further operational details. The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the specifics of its involvement but noted that it "remains committed to working with partners to tackle terrorism and build stability across the Sahel."
