A series of successful operations by security agencies across the country has raised hopes in the fight against kidnapping and insurgency.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday affirmed that the country will not succumb to terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
He said the government would keep Nigerians safe at all times and in all places.
The rescue of 360 abducted persons from a Boko Haram enclave in Borno State drew widespread commendation from political leaders and residents.
The operation, carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), coincided with the rescue of 10 kidnap victims in Plateau and Kaduna states.
In Sokoto, two abducted farmers were freed by troops.
On Friday, the sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and her twin children were rescued by the police in Ibadan.
Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, described the liberation of the 360 captives as a breakthrough in the war against terrorism.
The victims, comprising men, women and children, had been held for months in a heavily fortified Boko Haram enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State after being abducted from communities around the Ngoshe axis.
Confirming the operation, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Haruna Sani, said the mission followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and meticulous planning.
According to him, the military received credible intelligence from multiple sources that exposed the exact location of the hostages and the insurgent network sustaining the camp.
“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the target area, dominate key terrain and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal,” he said.
The troops invaded the area under the cover of darkness and achieved complete tactical surprise, forcing several insurgents to flee while others surrendered.
“The operation 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,” Sani added.
The rescued victims were screened and evacuated for medical treatment and humanitarian support.
The military explained that two infants died from exhaustion during the difficult evacuation through the mountainous terrain.
Sani described the mission as a major success that demonstrated the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led operations.
“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,” he said.
