Nigerian Army Storms Terror Hideout, Rescues 12 Teenage Girls in Daring Midnight Operation
By Passman Akpos
In a dramatic, heart-pounding counter-terrorism sweep that has sent shockwaves across Borno State, the Nigerian Army has pulled off one of its most decisive rescue missions of the year—freeing 12 abducted teenage girls from the clutches of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in the Mussa District of Askira/Uba.
The girls, aged 15 to 20, were snatched on 23 November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands, plunging their community into terror, anguish, and sleepless nights. But before the terrorists could move them deeper into the forest, troops of Operation HADIN KAI executed an intelligence-driven offensive that ripped through the insurgents’ stronghold like a thunderbolt.
By Saturday, 29 November, the nightmare was over.
A Midnight Raid That Broke the Terrorists’ Grip
Sources within the military described the operation as swift, precise, and ruthlessly effective, catching the insurgents completely off-guard. The rescue mission, built on credible local intelligence, was said to have been so rapid that the fleeing terrorists abandoned personal belongings and weapons as they escaped into the bush.
Inside their hideout, troops found the traumatized girls—some barefoot, some injured, many trembling—but alive.
The Survivors: A Dozen Names That Refused to Become Statistics
The rescued girls include:
Fatima Shaibu (17)
Fatima Umaru (15)
Hauwa Abubakar (18)
Saliha Muhammed (15)
Sadiya Umaru (17)
Amira Babel (15)
Zara Adamu (17)
Nana Shaibu (15)
Zainab Musa (18)
Zainab Muhammed (17)
Jamila Saidu (15)
Hauwa Hamidu (17)
Each name a reminder of the brutal reality that northern communities continue to face—and the bravery of troops who refuse to allow these girls to disappear without a trace.
Tears, Relief and Shouts of Victory
The girls have now been moved to a secure military location where they are receiving medical treatment, psychological support and debriefing. Families across Mussa, who have spent days weeping and praying, are preparing for the emotional reunions that will soon follow.
The community, once crippled by fear, erupted in celebration as news of the rescue filtered in—proof that hope, sometimes, fights back.
Army Praises Troops, Warns Terrorists: “We’re Coming For You”
In a statement, the military high command hailed the “doggedness, precision, and uncommon courage” of the troops. They also praised the vigilance of local informants whose tip-offs made the rescue possible.
But the message to ISWAP was unmistakable:The hunt isn’t over. The chase continues.
Troops are now sweeping through southern Borno, pursuing remnants of ISWAP units determined to regroup after the crushing blow.
A Call to Nigerians
The Army urged communities to remain supportive of ongoing operations and continue sharing timely, credible information. The statement emphasized that terrorism can only be defeated when citizens and security forces stand united.
