Over 1000 Boko Haram hostages freed in joint operation

A total of 1,275 hostages in Boko Haram's custody have been freed in a joint military operation by Nigerian and Cameroonian troops, Nigerian army said on Tuesday.

A statement signed by army spokesman Col. Sani Usman said the hostages were rescued late Monday during a joint operation carried out in towns and settlements located along the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno.

The rescued people are currently being administered and screened by troops pending onward movement to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps within Borno State, said the statement.

During the operation, which swept through more than 10 suspected terrorists' hideouts, three suspected commanders of Boko Haram were also apprehended while 22 suspected terrorists were killed, it added.

The Boko Haram commanders were identified as Malam Lawal Abba, Malam Hisna and Malam Gana Shatte. Further investigation into their activities with the terror group was underway, the statement said.

Source: XINHUA