Abuja, Oct 28 (IANS): At least 338 hostages held by militant group Boko Haram have been rescued by troops near the Sambisa forest located in Nigeria's Borno state, the army said on Wednesday.
The hostages -- 192 children, 138 women and eight men -- were rescued on Tuesday by troops of Nigerian army who carried out raids on suspected Boko Haram camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, Xinhua reported quoting a statement signed by army spokesman Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman.
At least 30 Boko Haram fighters were also killed in the raid, the army statement said, adding the troops recovered arms and ammunitions from the rebels.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered military chiefs to end the insurgency of Boko Haram in the most populous African country by December.
Local people are doubting the certainty of the deadline given to rout out the ruthless group as more suicide attacks had taken place in parts of Nigeria since the order was given in August.
On Monday, Nigeria's army chief Lt. General Tukur Buratai said a new task force brigade in the restive Borno State was strategically established to end the insurgency.
This location is very important and strategic, he said, noting the new task force has great impact toward defeating the Boko Haram group.