Borno Youths Insist Govt, Army Did Nothing, 416 Women, Kids Freed Willingly
Youths in Borno State under the umbrella body of Borno South Youth Alliance, BOSYA has insisted that the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did nothing to secure the release of the 416 women and children held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists for more than 90 days they were taken into the bush since March 2026, also, the youth group dismissed and rejected the report of the Nigerian Army who had alleged that its men rescued 360 out of the 416 people held hostage through intelligent driven efforts, saying, they have an audio record of the conversation they had with the Boko Haram terrorists on Friday June 5th, 2026 before the Boko Haram terrorists decided to release the captives willingly, adding, “If they paid ransom, they should come out and tell Nigerians, which we have the full details if ransoms was paid or not, as Senator Ali Ndume automatically started thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is there something Nigerians Need to know that is Hidden”, it maybe recalled that we have reported that barely a day after President Donald Trump of the United States of America, the USA announced the killing of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, ISIS in a joint operation with Nigeria soldiers in Borno State, a new video of the abducted 416 women and children in Boko Haram captivity has been released in addition to a gory video earlier released by the terrorists wherein they beheaded almost six men who the insurgents said tried to escape among the kidnapped victims, this had led to public outcry and demonstrations, but according to Punch Newspaper, protesters are reportedly denied the rights to protest in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, saying, the Army reportedly deployed tanks and heavily armed personnel to Filling Polo, the venue of the recent planned protest, forcing the demonstrators to withdraw, quoting Samaila Kaigama, leader of the protesters, as saying; the atmosphere created by the military deployment made it impossible for citizens to continue with the demonstration, that the development is deeply disturbing in a constitutional democracy, it may also be recalled that we had reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria may have kept mute since more than 48 hours a faction of the Boko Haram terrorists showed off 416 people mostly women and children kidnapped and held hostage when the members of the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, JAS, launched a large scale combat actions between 4th to 6th March 2026 against the men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, overran the Africa country military base at Ngoshe, killing several soldiers, a figure the Nigeria authority disputed to be 14 after several reports indicated that more than 40 soldiers were killed during the attack, in addition to more than 100 civilians including Chief Iman of Ngoshe alongside the community elders killed during the coordinated attacks that lasted days at Ngoshe community in Gwoza local government area of Borno state, this, during the attacks, numbers of people were also taken hostage by the insurgents, with speculations indicating that the hostages are apparently being held at the rugged terrain of the Mandara Mountains, which sit wide across the Nigeria border with Cameroon, in the released video, one of the spokespersons of the Boko Haram group said they decided to release a proof of life video of the 416 women and children in their captivity, following the demands made across to them by the Borno South Youths Alliance, BOSYA, and according to the statement issued by the BOSYA when they made the video public on Friday April 10, 2026, the Youths group called on Federal Government and governments at all level to ensure the hostages are released, saying specifically that; “we have witnessed cases in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi where abducted victims regained freedom following interventions by individuals such as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, we therefore expect equal urgency and commitment in addressing the plight of the Ngoshe victims, no region or group of citizens should be treated with less priority”.
Nigerian Army in a press release issued and made available on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, the acting Media Information Officer of North East Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force, said and in quotes that “in one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North East Theatre in recent times, troops of the Joint Task Force, (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, (OPHK), comprising Special Forces and troops of Sector 1, have successfully rescued 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State.
The operation, which was the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning, resulted in the safe recovery of men, women, and children who had been held in captivity under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis. The successful rescue underscores the growing operational reach, intelligence dominance, and tactical superiority of OPHK in denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting vulnerable populations across the theatre.
The operation was initiated following the receipt of credible and corroborated intelligence from multiple sources indicating the precise location of the hostages and the existence of an elaborate insurgent support network sustaining the enclave. OPHK intelligence elements subsequently launched an extensive target development process involving the integration of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations conducted through unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.
Through sustained intelligence collection and analysis, commanders developed a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, insurgent disposition, defensive arrangements, movement patterns, and the condition of the abductees. This intelligence-driven approach enabled the force to accurately map the objective area, identify vulnerabilities within the terrorist network, and significantly reduce risks to the hostages during the rescue mission.
A decisive breakthrough was achieved through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by carefully cultivated intelligence assets operating under the supervision of OPHK military intelligence personnel. These assets provided timely and actionable intelligence regarding the exact locations of the abductees, the disposition of insurgent commanders, internal security measures, and planned relocation routes.
Simultaneously, carefully coordinated information and psychological operations created uncertainty and mistrust within the insurgent ranks, degrading their cohesion and disrupting command and control arrangements. The resulting intelligence advantage provided OPHK with unprecedented situational awareness and enabled commanders to shape the operational environment well before the commencement of the assault phase.
Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain, and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal. Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces established positions along likely escape routes. The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted.
Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered. The hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the objective area.
Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity. The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group.
The Military High Command has commended the courage, professionalism, and exceptional discipline displayed by all personnel involved in the operation. The Military High Command noted that the successful rescue of 360 abductees reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, the growing synergy among security stakeholders, and the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect innocent citizens and restore lasting peace to affected communities. The Military High Command further reassured the public that aggressive follow-on exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to neutralise residual terrorist elements, dismantle remaining support networks, and prevent future abductions”, the Nigeria Military statement ends in quotes.
Immediately, the Borno South Youth Alliance, BOSYA responded and said; “Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) through its president brought (the issue of) the 416 women and children kidnapped by Boko haram sometimes around march 2026 to like lite, put in every necessary bravery related efforts and got his requests granted which one was to make a video (proof of life). At first the were not willing to negotiate or discuss but after extensive discussions and acknowledgement of our efforts towards the grassroots the imam (top command) agreed and we had talks for weeks
BOSYA will be releasing or has released voice notes of our final discussions which was done Friday 5th of June 2026 and Nigerians will clearly hear them admit the reasons they released them and how Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) President Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama’s efforts made them agree to release the kidnapped victims contrary to what some media outlets are carrying about a rescue or government boys and followers are claiming glory for our efforts
If they paid ransom, they should come out and tell Nigerians, which we have the full details if ransom was paid or not, as Senator Ali Ndume automatically started thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is there something Nigerians Need to know that is Hidden? Only BOSYA president knows the hidden facts and hopefully he is ready to talk about some secrets that might shake Nigeria and possibly the world”.
In another press release, the group said the “BORNO SOUTH YOUTH ALLIANCE (BOSYA) is happy to announce to the general public that our cries, advocacy, and efforts regarding the Ngoshe 416 women and children have begun to yield positive results.
Yesterday, through the efforts of our President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, communications were held, and we were informed that most, if not all, of the victims would be released. As you read this message, that process has already begun.
Before any politician or political personal assistants claim glory for this development, we will back our efforts with voice notes 24 hours plus before their release. Watch them claim glory for zero efforts. We are happy and grateful that through our efforts, our persistent cries, and long discussions, the results are now being seen.
The BOSYA President has been a solid force behind these humanitarian mediations, negotiations, and discussions, and this is what leadership is about — standing for the people, speaking for the voiceless, and working tirelessly to save lives.
To the Ngoshe women and children who were released tonight, welcome home. Your return brings hope, joy, and relief to Southern Borno. We also call on the Federal Government, Borno State Government, and the relevant Local Government authorities to properly screen”.













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