Military retakes base in Borno, kills many terrorists as bandits free 15 wedding guests after 57 days in captivity
Many terrorists have been reportedly killed as Nigerian troops recaptured their forward operation base in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local vigilantes, and hunter groups.
Recall that the Boko Haram terrorists had last week killed 14 soldiers and many civilians during an attack, and abducted over 100 women and children.
It was reported that fewer than three Commanding Officers who were on the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel were killed by the terrorists.
Apart from Commanding Officers who were killed, scores of soldiers also paid the supreme price, while hundreds of civilians, who were abducted, are still in captivity.
Earlier on Friday, according to a military source, the General Commanding Officer, (GOC) went to Pulka and mobilized 200 troops into the deserted Ngoshe, where he assessed the situation and left.
“At least 60 soldiers were left behind, but they later retreated to Pulka when they noticed the movement of a large number of terrorists planning a counterattack.
“The brigade commander of Gwoza met us in Pulka and assured support. Today, (Wednesday) we were able to recapture Ngoshe after engaging the remaining insurgents in a gun battle,” he said
He said the town is fully under the control of the military.
Meanwhile, bandits have reportedly released 16 persons abducted during a wedding convoy attack in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State after a N25 million ransom payment.
The victims were said to be indigenes of Gwammadaji, Wurno and Burga communities in Tafawa Balewa LGA of the state.
The victims, including a bride, regained their freedom after spending 57 days in captivity following the payment of the ransom by relatives, friends and community members, who reportedly struggled to meet the financial demand of the kidnappers.
The abduction reportedly occurred on January 10, 2026, during a wedding ceremony involving the family of Malam Abubakar Santuraki Ubandoman Lim in Gwammadaji town, Dull B Ward of Tafawa Balewa LGA.
According to a statement issued by Bakiru Hassan Maga Takadda on behalf of the Gwammadaji Community Development Association, the incident occurred when the wedding convoy escorting the bride to Dogo Yeli in Bachama Ward of Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State was ambushed by armed kidnappers.
The attackers reportedly abducted about 16 persons, including the bride, members of the bridal escort and friends of the groom.
The association said the attack threw the affected families and the entire community into fear and emotional distress, as the victims remained in captivity for nearly two months under difficult and uncertain conditions.
“For 57 painful days, families, relatives and well-wishers lived in deep anxiety while continuing to pray and hope for their safe return,” the statement said.
Members of the community said they eventually mobilised funds from relatives, friends, neighbours and sympathisers across several communities to raise nearly N25 million demanded by the kidnappers before the victims were released.
Residents explained that the process of raising the ransom placed heavy financial pressure on the affected families, many of whom had to rely on donations and contributions from well-wishers to meet the demand.
However, the association lamented that throughout the period of the ordeal, the community received no official visit or support from government authorities.
According to the statement, no government official, security personnel or political representatives visited the affected families or the community during the period of the incident.
