The Nigerian Army said its soldiers on Wednesday, March 23 night rescued 180 hostages, mostly women and children, who had been in Boko Haram captivity for months, Vanguard reports.

During the confrontation, five Boko Haram terrorists were killed in a shootout, with dangerous weapons and explosives recovered from the group.

A statement in this regard, signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman said: “In continuation of the ongoing clearance operations of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists at the various sectors of Operation Lafiya Dole, Wednesday, troops of 7 Division Garrison and 112 Battalion, assisted by some Civilian JTF, conducted clearing operations at Menari, Bulamari, Zangebe, Maafa, Mijigine, Baale and Kaltaram villages in Mafa Local Government Area. During the operations, they killed 5 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued 180 persons and their cattle held hostages by the terrorists at Giltimari and Baale.”