Nigerian army rescues 360 Boko Haram captives in Borno

The Nigerian army said on Sunday it had rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram during an operation in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State, one of the militant group's remaining strongholds in the country's northeast.

The rescued captives included women and children taken from various communities across the region. Military spokesperson Haruna Sani said two infants died from exhaustion after enduring harsh conditions during their captivity and the rescue operation.

"The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group," Sani said.

The rescue comes as Nigerian forces intensify operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), whose insurgency has killed thousands and displaced millions across northeastern Nigeria over the past decade.

Last month, Nigerian authorities said a joint operation with the United States had killed 175 ISWAP fighters, part of a broader campaign aimed at weakening extremist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin.

The latest rescue is likely to be seen as a rare victory in a conflict that continues to test Africa's most populous nation, although security analysts warn that military gains must be matched by sustained efforts to protect civilians and stabilize communities emerging from years of violence.