Nigeria frees 19 women, 27 children from Boko Haram

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - At least 46 people, including 19 women and 27 children have been freed from Boko Haram captivity after troops destroyed another hideout of the proscribed armed group in northeastern Borno state, the Defense Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

“[Troops] dislodged Boko Haram terrorists from one of their highly-fortified hideouts at around S-Shape, part of the Sambisa forest. The location was also believed to be one of their prized locations,” the statement said.

“The gallant troops also destroyed eight gun trucks, several makeshift accommodation and tents. Similarly, the troops rescued 19 women and 27 children from the erstwhile terrorist’s enclave,” it added.

The statement said several militants were also killed while major two armored personnel carriers, a canter truck and a laptop computer belonging to the group were also seized.

Despite declaration of victory over the militants, Nigerian troops continue to engage in gunfights with members of the armed group in parts of the northeast. The government recently sought parliamentary approval to spend $1 billion to crush the insurgency that has raged since 2009 and killed over 20,000 people apart from displacing millions.

On Saturday, the government announced the release of three university lecturers and 10 women, who were abducted last year, from captivity of militants.