ICC Note: Military operations in northern Nigeria fighting Boko Haram have resulted in liberating 195 more hostages. Kidnapping is one of the Islamist terror group’s calling cards, made famous by the April 2014 abduction of nearly 300 mostly Christian girls from Chibok, Nigeria. Regular liberation stories like the following often provide hope to grieving parents still praying for return of their loved ones. Boko Haram has reportedly abducted thousands of women and children in their quest to establish a West African Muslim caliphate.
By Morgan Winsor
2/19/16 Nigeria (IB Times) – The Nigerian army said Thursday its troops have cleared more Boko Haram hideouts in northeast Borno state and have rescued 195 hostages. Spokesman Col. Sani Usman said troops ambushed the Islamic militants Wednesday night as they emerged from the vast Sambisa forest, Boko Haram’s last stronghold.
A number of the Boko Haram fighters were killed during the operation and a few others fled wounded on motorcycles. The Nigerian army recovered various weapons and equipment during the operation, including a six motorcycles, several improvised explosive devices, a rifle and food supplies.
“The recovered items clearly shows [sic] that the terrorists were out for a nefarious mission which was aborted by the timely ambushes,” Usman said in a press release Thursday.
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