*Happy Ngoshe investors deny Kaigama as negotiator for released 416 hostages
Only 24 hours following the liberation of 416 inhabitants from the Ngoshe community in Borno State—kidnapped during an attack by alleged Boko Haram/ISWAP militants three months prior—a new surge of relief and feeling has spread through certain areas of the state, as yet another group of hostages was released.
This time, it was the Dille community in Askira/Uba, where 11 women who had been taken seven months prior during a fishing trip were finally brought back to their families following what locals referred to as weeks filled with sorrow, doubt, and quiet supplications.
Several women were said to have been freed, as part of joint efforts by the Nigerian Army through Operation HADINKAI, the very military campaign responsible for rescuing more than 400 individuals from Ngoshe and nearby areas.
The arrival brought heartfelt moments in Dille, as families, who had been living with unresolved concerns for several months, wept with happiness, gratitude, and comfort.
Local community sources stated that the individuals who returned had received thorough medical check-ups and health evaluations prior to being reunited with their families, as per routine protocols following detention.
Vanguard also learned that during their period of imprisonment, two of the women succeeded in fleeing, whereas two others were freed by their captors prior to the last rescue mission.
Verifying the progress, Mada Saidu, Chairperson of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, thanked them for their secure return and praised the security forces for their continuous work in the area.
He stated: "We express gratitude to God for the secure return of our daughters and spouses. We also recognize the Nigerian Army, the Borno State administration, and all security organizations for their dedication and efforts in securing their liberation and protection."
NGO disassociates itself from rescue allegation Organization separates from rescue accusation Group distances from claims of assistance Non-profit denies involvement in aid effort Voluntary body rejects rescue assertion Charity moves away from relief charge Civil society entity declines rescue-related statement Community organization dismisses rescue report Public welfare group refutes rescue implication Social enterprise negates rescue connection
As processing of the relief continued in Askira/Uba, focus stayed on Ngoshe, where the Ngoshe Stakeholders Forum along with the NSF rejected claims linking the liberation of the 416 hostages to any person or unrecognized organization.
At a press briefing held in Maiduguri yesterday, which was joined by past chairpersons of the Gwoza Local Government area, local leaders, and relevant parties, Professor Suleiman Bello, head of the organization, separated the community from allegations attributed to a certain group.
He stated: "We, the stakeholders and representatives of our community, want to clearly distance ourselves from an independently formed group known as 'Borno South Youth Alliance,' reportedly led by someone named Samaila Kaigama, who has openly asserted his role in facilitating the liberation of our people."
To prevent confusion, this group is unfamiliar to us, holds no authority to represent our community, and has never been authorized to communicate or take action on our behalf. All their statements are completely untrue, deceptive, and ought to be ignored by everyone.
The gathering cautioned against using the humanitarian emergency for individual benefit, emphasizing that these acts could jeopardize real peace and safety initiatives in the area.
Bello stated: "We are profoundly worried about the behavior and statements made by these people and organizations, as their actions seem aimed at taking advantage of delicate humanitarian and security circumstances for self-serving purposes."
The available evidence indicates a consistent behavior of deception that could threaten real initiatives for peace, safety, and social harmony,
He also called on the public, media outlets, humanitarian workers, and relevant parties to be careful when interacting with unauthorized persons or organizations.
"Consequently, we recommend that members of the public, media outlets, humanitarian groups, and interested parties remain cautious and refrain from interacting with or acknowledging any unauthorized group or person who falsely claims to speak for our community," he further stated.
Although there was debate, the forum thanked the government and law enforcement authorities for their involvement, while also urging immediate assistance for those impacted by the conflict.
Bello stated: "As individuals who abide by the law, we deeply appreciate the federal government, the Borno State administration, security organizations, humanitarian groups, and all pertinent parties for their efforts, dedication, and assistance in ensuring the safety, tranquility, and welfare of our community."
Our dedication lies in adhering to legal interactions, thoughtful dialogue, and ongoing assistance for every valid initiative striving to bring about enduring peace and harmony within our neighborhoods.
We would like to officially declare and honor the successful launch and secure repatriation of 416 Ngoshe hostages who were detained by Boko Haram militants. The released individuals have now been back with their families and close ones, marking touching moments filled with relief, appreciation, and revived optimism regarding peace and security in Ngoshe and throughout the Gwoza region.
We would like to express our highest gratitude to the Nigerian Army, particularly those soldiers based in Ngoshe, Pulka, and Gwoza, whose dedication, strength, and loyalty keep providing safety and optimism for our community amidst significant difficulties.
We are happy to mention that those who have returned are now getting proper medical treatment, mental health assistance, and humanitarian help to assist them in recovering and reintegrating into society following their difficult time as captives.
Forum's appeal
Nevertheless, the conference cautioned that although the rescue was successful, issues related to rebuilding and relocating people continued to be significant, particularly with the arrival of the rainy season.
Community's dilemma
Nevertheless, the 416 saved inhabitants did not go back to their traditional residences; instead, they were transported to the Pulka settlement to be with their family members.
Vanguard reported yesterday that there were no civilians present in the Ngoshe community.
Situated at the base of the Mandara Mountains, near the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary, the settlement—referred to as a stronghold of Boko Haram—was struck by militants in March of this year, causing almost 3,000 locals, who had previously returned to live there, to escape again toward Pulka, where authorities set up an internally displaced persons (IDP) shelter for them.
Commenting on the progress, local sources mentioned that residents of Ngoshe had been displaced for over seven years prior to the reconstruction of their damaged houses by the Borno State government, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, which allowed them to return home almost two years back.
Nevertheless, the rebels allegedly captured the village in March, resulting in the deaths of several inhabitants and forcing both locals and security forces to flee.
Forces have now recaptured the region and continue to maintain an obvious presence along important routes near the Mandara axis. The issue of returning depends on a single requirement: the community must be certified safe for living before the military can withdraw. As of yesterday (Tuesday), the armed forces were still stationed at their base within the community.
Back in Dille
In Dille, feelings were hard to suppress. Locals who had assembled hoping for something yesterday fell into tears when the 11 women came. Some remained silent, hugging each other without saying a word.
The chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, referred to their return as an occasion filled with comfort and appreciation.
He praised the Nigerian Army, Operation HADINKAI, the Borno State government, and other security organizations for their work, stating that the rescue demonstrated ongoing pressure on militant groups throughout the area.
317 extremists eliminated, 221 captives freed within a single month — Armed Forces
In the meantime, Defence Headquarters reported that military forces achieved substantial operational successes in May 2026, eliminating 317 militants, offenders, unauthorized prospectors, and spies in different areas of conflict.
As per data published by the Defence Media Operations, "314 individuals were detained for offenses including terrorism, crime, unlawful mining, and serving as informants, with 18 rebels giving themselves up to forces under continued military action."
The armed forces additionally revealed that three unauthorized refining locations and related properties were demolished, thus severing important financial channels for unlawful groups.
It mentioned that 221 abducted captives were freed throughout the missions, along with 21,910 liters of unlawfully processed fuel being retrieved, as well as 93 various weapons, bullets, and additional military equipment.
The defense agency stated that the outcomes indicated increased pressure on criminal and terror groups across the country, encouraging residents to keep supplying accurate and prompt information to security forces as initiatives to achieve long-term stability grow stronger.
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Tagged: Nigeria, Women and Gender, Legal and Judicial Affairs, West Africa
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