Nigerian Army Rescues 360 Hostages in Borno State Operation

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The Nigerian military announced Sunday that its forces freed 360 hostages held in Borno State, in the country's northeast. The rescue operation was carried out based on intelligence information, according to the army's statement. The hostages, including women and children, had been held by an armed group in the Mandara Mountains in the southern part of Borno State. They were kidnapped from different regions at various times, the statement said. A joint task force, including special forces units, conducted the operation that caused the armed group to abandon its positions and flee the area, the army reported. Two children among those rescued died from harsh conditions and exhaustion during their captivity. Kidnappings and attacks by armed groups remain a persistent security problem in Nigeria's northern regions.