The Nigerian army announced Sunday that it freed 360 people who had been abducted by Boko Haram militants in southern Borno state in the country's northeast. The rescue operation took place in the Mandara mountains, an area that serves as a stronghold for the militant group.

The freed captives included many women and children who had been taken from various communities across Borno state. According to the BBC, many of the abductees were seized in March from an area near the Cameroon border. Army spokesperson Haruna Sani confirmed that the operation successfully evacuated the rescued individuals to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support.

Two infants died during the rescue operation, succumbing to exhaustion caused by the challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships they endured during their prolonged captivity, Sani reported. The army described the operation as a major success and a significant blow to the terrorist organization.

Nigeria continues to face a complex security crisis, particularly in its northern regions where a more than decade-long insurgency has created ongoing instability. The country contends with multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and its breakaway faction known as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which conduct kidnappings for ransom and engage in illegal mining activities.

Last month, Nigeria reported that a joint operation with the United States resulted in the deaths of 175 ISWAP fighters. The northeastern insurgency has killed thousands of people and displaced millions according to United Nations data. Security analysts have criticized the government's efforts to protect citizens, despite repeated promises by President Bola Tinubu to address the crisis.