‘We saw death and suffering’: Dozens of Nigerians freed after 6 months in jihadi captivity

Dozens of Nigerian women and children who had been held captive by Islamic militants for six months in a forest received medical care in Ilorin, Nigeria on August 7, 2026. Among the 163 freed captives were mostly women and children who were among over 300 victims rescued by Nigerian forces this week. The freed captives were handed over to authorities in Ilorin, the state capital, for medical checks and routine examinations before they returned home to their families.

Mary Ishaya, one of the rescued captives, described the desperate conditions they endured. The 44-year-old recounted days without food and the emotional trauma of burying other hostages who had died in captivity. Ishaya said, "I still cannot find the right words to describe what has happened to us. We saw death and suffering."

The captives were found in appalling physical and emotional states when they arrived at the hospital. Many were emaciated, struggling to stand, and had suffered injuries and psychological scars from their ordeal. Some women were informed that their husbands had been among those killed in the February attack that led to their abduction. Others expressed their despair, stating they had lost hope of ever returning home.

Amira Saliu, a nurse among the freed captives, recounted assisting with the births of about 10 pregnant women during their time in the forest hideouts. The harrowing experience has left a significant impact on the lives of those who were held captive for such an extended period.