More than 360 Boko Haram hostages abducted in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State have been freed after spending months in captivity, marking one of the largest releases of captives linked to the insurgent group in recent months.

Borno State, Nigeria (Running Africa) — The hostages were among hundreds of residents kidnapped by Boko Haram militants during a March attack on Ngoshe, a community in Borno State near the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The attack occurred as residents gathered to break their Ramadan fast, highlighting the continued threat posed by Boko Haram in north-eastern Nigeria.

According to the Nigerian military, the release of the Boko Haram hostages followed a weeks-long intelligence-led operation targeting insurgent hideouts in the remote Mandara Mountains. Military officials said sustained pressure on the militants forced them to release the captives.

However, local sources have offered a different account. A youth group in Ngoshe claimed it played a key role in securing the release and said 416 hostages were freed unconditionally following community-led negotiations.

Authorities confirmed that the freed hostages are receiving medical treatment and humanitarian assistance. However, the ordeal ended tragically for two infants, who reportedly died from exhaustion and the harsh conditions endured during their captivity.

The release comes as Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram and other armed groups that remain active despite years of military operations. Although Boko Haram no longer controls large territories across north-eastern Nigeria, the insurgent group continues to carry out attacks, kidnappings and raids in Borno State and neighboring regions.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a growing security challenge in Nigeria, with jihadist groups, criminal gangs and separatist movements increasingly relying on abductions to fund their operations. Thousands of Nigerians have been kidnapped in recent years, making hostage-taking one of the country’s most pressing security concerns.

Nigeria’s government has continued to seek international support to combat terrorism and insecurity. Recent assistance has included military training and intelligence cooperation from the United States as authorities work to weaken Boko Haram and improve security across the country.

The release of the Boko Haram hostages offers relief to affected families, but it also underscores the ongoing security challenges facing communities in Borno State and other parts of northern Nigeria.