Twelve people abducted by Boko Haram from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State have escaped from captivity and reached safety, in a rare breakthrough amid ongoing insecurity in the region.
The victims — 10 men and two women — were reportedly freed during a period of intensified military activity in the area, which forced the insurgents to abandon some of their captives and flee.
A local source in Pulka told Daily Trust that the escape happened as security operations disrupted the terrorists’ movement, creating an opportunity for some of the abductees to break free.
“One of the victims told us there were military operations in the area which forced the insurgents to abandon some of them and escape with the majority of the captives,” the source said.
The development was also confirmed in a statement by the Borno South Youth Alliance, which said the escape took place on Wednesday and that all 12 victims are now safe in a nearby town.
The group listed the escapees as including women, children, and young adults, among them Aisha Audu, 20; Hajara Audu, 18 months; Aisha Idrisa, 17; Hafsat Idrisa, four months; and several others.
The escape comes amid heightened concern over the fate of 416 people reportedly abducted during a March 4, 2026 attack on the same Ngoshe community.
Earlier reports indicated that Boko Haram released a video issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to both the Federal Government and the Borno State Government, threatening to kill the remaining captives if demands were not met.
The latest escape offers a rare moment of relief for affected families, though fears remain over the safety of dozens still believed to be in captivity.
Security operations in the area are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to track insurgent movements and rescue remaining hostages.
