Nigerian army rescues Boko Haram hostages

LAGOS, Nigeria

Nigerian soldiers have rescued over 210 people being held hostage by Boko Haram in a large military operation in the country’s troubled northeastern state of Yobe, the army said Friday.

According to a statement issued by the army, at least 210 hostages, including elderly men, women and children who were being "used as human shields" were freed Thursday.

Five militants were also killed in a separate encounter in the state, the statement added.

Army spokesman Sani Usman said troops continued their advance in bid to crush the insurgency ahead of a December deadline.

The army earlier this week commenced what it called a final push to purge the Sambisa forest of the militants.

Sambisa forest is deemed as the insurgents' main fortress, reportedly fortified with mines, tunnels and bunkers through which they often escape air bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force.

LAGOS, Nigeria

Nigerian soldiers have rescued over 210 people being held hostage by Boko Haram in a large military operation in the country’s troubled northeastern state of Yobe, the army said Friday.

According to a statement issued by the army, at least 210 hostages, including elderly men, women and children who were being "used as human shields" were freed Thursday.

Five militants were also killed in a separate encounter in the state, the statement added.

Army spokesman Sani Usman said troops continued their advance in bid to crush the insurgency ahead of a December deadline.

The army earlier this week commenced what it called a final push to purge the Sambisa forest of the militants.

Sambisa forest is deemed as the insurgents' main fortress, reportedly fortified with mines, tunnels and bunkers through which they often escape air bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force.