The Borno State Police Command has successfully reunited two minors, Ayuba Ishaku and Yakubu Haruna, both aged 13, with their families after spending four years in Boko Haram captivity.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso. According to the statement, the boys, alongside several women and children, were abducted from Mandaragrau village in the Biu Local Government Area of Borno State during a Boko Haram attack on December 29, 2019.
The abductees were later transported to Mangari in the Tumbun Mota area of Baga, located in Kukawa Local Government Area, where they remained in captivity.
While in the custody of the insurgents, the boys revealed that they were compelled to work as domestic aides and were also trained in servicing firearms.
However, after months of discreet planning, Ayuba and Yakubu seized an opportunity to escape. On the night of July 8, 2025, when most of the terrorists had left for an operation, the boys fled through the bush, navigating remote paths and nearby villages.
The statement read, “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 of captivity.
“After months of planning, the two boys took advantage of an opportunity to escape on the night of 8th July, 2025, when most of the terrorists had gone out on operations. They navigated through the bush to nearby villages and communities.
“On 12th July, 2025, at about 5:30pm, two minors, (1) Ayuba Ishaku and (2) Yakubu Haruna, both approximately 13 years of age, arrived at ITE Divisional Police Headquarters, Maiduguri, and reported that they had escaped from captivity under Boko Haram terrorists.
“The boys were abducted during an attack on Mandaragrau village, Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, along with other women and children. They were later transported to Mangari, Tumbun Mota area of Baga in Kukawa LGA, where they remained in captivity.
“While in captivity, the boys stated that they served as domestic aides and were trained on how to service firearms. After months of planning, the two boys took advantage of an opportunity to escape on the night of 8th July, 2025, when most of the terrorists had gone out on operations.
“They navigated through the bush to nearby villages and communities before they eventually found themselves in Maiduguri on the 12th of July, 2025,” Daso said.
“He, however, noted that upon arrival, the boys were taken into protective custody by the Police at the ITE Division, where they were provided care and protection.
“Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, efforts were made to locate their families.
“Consequently, Mr. Ishaku Gaji, father of Ayuba Ishaku, was identified and he confirmed that the boys, along with other women and children, were abducted on 29th December, 2019.”