Youth leader confirms June 6 release of Ngoshe captives, urges government screening as officials remain silent

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have released 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was confirmed on Sunday by the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, who said the captives regained their freedom on June 6 after weeks of engagement.

According to Kaigama, the alliance played a key intermediary role between the insurgents and affected families, maintaining communication channels that eventually led to the release. He noted that the group had earlier drawn public attention to the victims’ plight after Boko Haram showcased them in April.

“BOSYA has secured the release of all the Ngoshe 416 women and children. They were released on June 6,” he said.

“We are happy and grateful that through our efforts, persistent advocacy, and prolonged discussions, the results are now evident.”

Kaigama urged the Federal Government, Borno State Government, and relevant local authorities to carry out proper profiling and screening of the freed captives to ensure their safety and reintegration.

As of press time, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, had not responded to calls seeking official confirmation or comment on the development.

The mass abduction followed a March 4 attack on a military base in Ngoshe, during which insurgents overran the facility, destroyed operational vehicles, scattered security personnel, and abducted residents.