Gunmen Kidnap 12 Borno Female Farmers as Military Launches Rescue Operation

At least 12 female farmers have been abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants in Mussa community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, prompting a major security operation and widespread concern across the region

Local sources said the victims, believed to be teenage girls and young women, were on their way to the farm on Saturday morning when armed men ambushed them and whisked them away into the nearby forest Residents told journalists that the attackers were heavily armed and operated swiftly, targeting the group as they prepared for early harvest activities A senior community leader in Mussa confirmed the incident, describing it as “one of the most painful attacks on innocent rural farmers in recent months Security sources said troops, police operatives and vigilante groups have launched a coordinated search to rescue the victims, combing forest routes believed to be used by insurgents. The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who represents Askira-Uba, also confirmed the abduction and disclosed that authorities were in “continuous contact with security agencies” to expedite the search. Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum reportedly urged residents to pray and fast for the safe return of the abducted girls, as anxiety grows in neighbouring communities already affected by repeated attacks. The abduction adds to a wave of recent kidnappings targeting farmers, travellers and schoolchildren in parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Security analysts warn that insurgent groups may be increasing rural raids as farming activities peak ahead of the dry-season harvest. Families of the victims have appealed to the government not to relent, begging for intensified military presence in vulnerable farming settlements. As of the time of this report, no group has officially claimed responsibility, and security agencies have not disclosed whether contact has been made with the kidnappers.