Two minors reunited with families after four years in B’Haram captivity
In a remarkable turn of events, the Borno State Police Command announced on Tuesday the successful reunion of two minors, Ayuba Ishaku and Yakubu Haruna, both 13 years old, with their families, four years after their abduction by Boko Haram.
According to a statement released by ASP Nahum Daso, the spokesperson for the command, the boys were kidnapped from Mandaragrau village in the Biu Local Government Area.
The statement highlighted their daring escape on the night of July 8, 2025, when they seized an opportunity to flee while many of their captors were away.
“The Borno State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the safe receipt and successful reunion of two courageous boys with their families, following their escape from Boko Haram captivity after four years,” Daso said.
The boys bravely navigated through nearby bushes and villages before reaching safety. On July 12, they arrived at the ITE Divisional Police Headquarters in Maiduguri, where they reported their escape.
During their debriefing, they shared, “We were abducted during an attack on Mandaragrau village… We were later taken to Mangari, Tumbun Mota area of Baga in Kukawa LGA, where we remained in captivity.”
While held prisoner, the boys were forced to serve as domestic aides and received training in handling firearms. Their successful escape was the result of careful planning.
Upon their return, they were placed in protective custody by the police. Acting on the directive of Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Abdulmajid, immediate efforts were made to locate their families.
Mr. Ishaku Gaji, Ayuba Ishaku’s father, confirmed the details of their abduction, stating that the boys were taken on December 29, 2019, during a violent attack that also involved other women and children.
Source: PUNCH
