Hundreds Rescued from Boko Haram Captivity

Masked Boko Haram fighters are holding various types of weaponry.
Boko Haram terrorists have claimed
the lives of multitudes in Nigeria.
 

On May 20th, the Nigerian military reported that 350 captives had been recovered from Boko Haram bases in the Sambisa Forest, a well-known enclave for the militant group in eastern Nigeria. Some of the captors were killed during the military operation. All of the rescued former hostages were taken to the Borno state government house where they will be cared for until they can safely return to their homes.

Most of the rescued victims, who were mainly women and children, had been held captive for months; and some of them for years. The 209 children, 135 women and six men, who were wearing worn-out clothing, appeared exhausted during the press conference. Some of the women had infants with them, believed to have been born from forced marriages to their captors. Hajara Umara has seven children and spoke of how she and other captive women were unable to escape because of the need to care for their children.

In another raid against Boko Haram, which took place during mid-May, the military of Cameroon rescued over 300 civilians along the country's borders with Chad and Nigeria. Additionally, during the previous month, a number of other civilian hostages were rescued by troops from Chad and Cameroon. Negotiations between officials of these neighbouring countries are presently underway to help the rescued civilians return to their homes.

Unfortunately, these recent raids against Boko Haram have not resulted in a cessation of violence. On the evening of May 24th, gunmen – believed to be belonging to a faction of the militant group – attacked the Kuchi community in Niger State, killing ten people and kidnapping dozens of others. The assailants returned two nights later, seizing livestock and food while also setting fire to local shops. At least 700 residents were forced to flee to nearby communities.

Members of the Boko Haram terrorist group seek to overthrow the Nigerian government and establish an Islamic nation. Often, Christians are particularly targeted in the attacks. Since the establishment of Boko Haram in 2009, its members have been inciting terror against many Christian communities. Additional information on the violence committed against Nigeria's followers of Jesus is available at our country report.

Praise God that hundreds of innocent victims have recently been released from captivity! Pray that the Lord will meet all of their practical and spiritual needs as they recover from the trauma and gradually reintegrate into their communities; all the while, helping them to navigate through the changes that have taken place over the months/years since their captivity. May the peace of Christ not only be sensed within their own hearts, but also in the lives of others throughout Nigeria – including the terrorists – thus bringing an end to the violence. In the interim, ask God to provide our Nigerian Christian brothers and sisters safety and encouragement as they continue to steadfastly proclaim the message of Jesus.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    230,842,743 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

    Leader
    President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nigeria

    May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

Nigeria News

  • Ongoing Violence Leads to Church Closures
    Pastor Amos Mohzo is smiling.
    Pastor Amos Mohzo
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. One estimate states that, on average, every two hours there is a Christian in Nigeria who dies. The ongoing brutality comes from numerous directions, and news reports only reflect a small portion of the violent incidents that take place – whether they involve fatalities, abductions or the destruction of properties. In many cases, multiple atrocities take place during a terrorist attack.

  • Christians Slain After Being Forced from Bus
    Three Christian men are kneeling, while executioners holding guns are standing behind them.
    The three men who were killed by Boko Haram militants.
     

    On June 5th, a bus was travelling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway when a group of armed men forced it to stop near the village of Kamuya, which is located on the border between the states of Yobe and Borno. The terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and then allowed the rest of the travellers to leave.