A major rescue operation involving British intelligence has freed hundreds of civilians from a Boko Haram stronghold in northeast Nigeria, the Ministry of Defence confirmed this afternoon. The operation, codenamed Operation Safe Corridor, was conducted in coordination with Nigerian armed forces and multinational partners.
According to MOD officials, British signals intelligence and surveillance drones provided critical real-time data that enabled Nigerian ground troops to breach the heavily fortified compound near the Sambisa Forest. The rescue, which began at dawn local time, resulted in the liberation of 338 hostages, primarily women and children, who had been held for periods ranging from several months to over two years.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace described the operation as a testament to the strength of the UK-Nigeria security partnership. "This was a complex and dangerous mission reliant on precise intelligence and careful planning. British personnel provided specialist support but did not engage in direct combat," he stated. The MOD emphasised that no British casualties were reported.
The rescued individuals were transported to a rehabilitation centre in Maiduguri, where they are receiving medical care and psychological support. Initial reports indicate severe malnutrition and evidence of physical abuse among the hostages. Boko Haram fighters were reported to have fled during the assault, with Nigerian forces pursuing them into the surrounding bush.
Boko Haram, which has waged a insurgency in the Lake Chad region since 2009, has been responsible for the abduction of thousands and the displacement of millions. This rescue represents one of the largest single liberations from the group in recent years.
The operation was conducted under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which includes troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin. British involvement has been part of a broader counterterrorism advisory programme that has trained over 30,000 Nigerian troops since 2015.
Critics have questioned the efficacy of foreign military aid in the region, but the MOD insists that intelligence-sharing yields tangible results. "We do not comment on operational specifics, but this mission demonstrates the value of close cooperation in degrading terrorist capabilities," a spokesperson said.
Human rights organisations have welcomed the rescue but urged caution regarding the rehabilitation process. Amnesty International called for transparent investigations into any potential human rights violations by security forces during the operation.
The rescued hostages are expected to be reunited with their families within weeks, pending medical clearance and identity verification. The MOD stated that its role in the operation is now concluded, and that Nigerian authorities will lead the ongoing security and humanitarian efforts.
