The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, has challenged claims that 416 women, children and other captives were rescued through a military operation, insisting that their release was secured through negotiations and humanitarian mediation.
Speaking in a video statement, Kaigama claimed that his organisation facilitated discussions with the abductors and played a key role in securing the release of the victims.
According to him, the process involved sustained engagement and negotiations, which he said helped prevent harm to some of the captives before their eventual release.
Kaigama further alleged that reports describing the development as a rescue operation did not accurately reflect the events leading to the release. He maintained that the captives were freed following dialogue efforts rather than military action.
The youth leader said his organisation would provide evidence to support its claims and called for recognition of community-led initiatives aimed at addressing insecurity in Southern Borno.
The Nigerian Army had earlier announced the release of 416 women, children and other victims from captivity.
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had not responded to Kaigama's latest claims.
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