‘Where Is The Evidence?’ – Borno Govt Says No Ransom Paid To Free 360 Boko Haram Captives

The Borno State Government has dismissed claims that ransom was paid before the release of 360 abductees from the Mandara mountains.

Naija News reports that the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, stated this on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday.

Tar insisted that the rescue was carried out through an intelligence-led military operation with support from the Department of State Services.

“Who paid the ransom? And the ransom was paid to who? Where is the evidence?” he asked.

“There was no ransom payment. There was a daring military operation with intelligence support from the DSS that led to the rescue of the 360 citizens.”

Operation Hadin Kai had earlier announced the rescue of the abductees from a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad enclave.

The operation involved Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 after weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and planning.

The victims, comprising men, women and children, were reportedly abducted from communities around the Ngoshe axis and held under harsh conditions.

Tar said the Boko Haram insurgency had evolved from its original ideological foundation into a criminal enterprise sustained by abductions and exploitation.

“The Boko Haram insurgency has since transmuted into a big business,” he said.

He added that the state government viewed the insurgents as criminals determined to terrorise residents.

Governor Babagana Zulum commended the operation, describing it as a demonstration of courage, professionalism and the effectiveness of intelligence-led military action.

He said the state would continue to support efforts aimed at defeating insurgency and protecting communities in the North-East.