Since 2009, a jihadist insurgency led by Boko Haram and later by its rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in the northeast of Africa’s most populous country. Mass kidnappings, often followed by ransom-driven releases, are a common tactic used by the Islamist groups. Samaila Kaigama, president of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), said he secured the freedom of 416 women and children taken from Ngoshe. “They were freed on Saturday,” he told journalists. Mohammed Ali Ndume, senator for Borno state, also confirmed the release.

Authorities deny paying ransoms

Ngoshe village, less than 10 kilometres from the Cameroonian border in the Gwoza hills—a Boko Haram stronghold—has faced repeated attacks from Islamist fighters. No details about the conditions of the release were immediately available. Ndume said he was unaware of the circumstances. BOSYA, which had established communication channels between the captors and the victims’ families, did not provide further information.

Authorities deny paying ransoms, though analysts say it is common practice, both by the government and by victims’ families. Between July 2024 and June 2025, roughly $1.66 million was paid in ransoms to various armed groups in Nigeria, including jihadists, “bandits,” and separatists, according to a report by SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based consulting firm.