Army Rescue Of 12 Abducted Girls Sparks Relief In Borno

The rescue of 12 abducted girls in Mussa District of Askira/Uba, Borno State, drew wide praise on Sunday after troops of Operation Hadin Kai freed the teenagers during an intelligence-driven mission.

The girls, aged between 15 and 20, were taken from their family farmlands a week earlier by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

The Army said the victims were moved to a safe location for medical care following the operation. Their recovery brought a sense of relief to families who had waited anxiously since the abduction.

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, said the troops showed rare courage and discipline while operating in one of the most difficult terrains in the country. He expressed confidence that their effort showed growing resolve to push back insurgent threats in the North-East.

The senator urged the Federal Government to give the military better funding and review the welfare of personnel, arguing that stronger support would help sustain momentum and morale. He said the troops’ work remains essential as communities continue to experience pressure from armed groups.

The rescue comes days after the Senate backed the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that abduction has taken root as a form of terrorism. Lawmakers raised concerns that attacks have spread into rural communities, pointing to the November 18 assault on a Kwara church where two worshippers were killed and 38 abducted.

Senators warned that repeated school kidnappings have forced the closure of institutions in several northern states and all 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide. They insisted that both security operations and legal reforms must move quickly to protect vulnerable communities.