The Nigerian army says it has freed 360 people who were abducted by Boko Haram in northeastern Borno State, following an operation in the Mandara mountains, a stronghold of the armed group.
According to a military statement issued on Sunday, troops launched an operation in southern Borno where hundreds of captives were being held under harsh conditions.
The rescue effort secured the release of men, women and children abducted from different communities across the state.
However, two infants died during the operation after reportedly succumbing to exhaustion linked to the difficult mountainous terrain and conditions endured during captivity.
Army spokesperson Haruna Sani said the operation resulted in the successful evacuation of the rescued abductees to safe locations where they would receive medical care and humanitarian assistance.
He described the mission as a major operational success and a significant setback for Boko Haram.
The military said several Boko Haram fighters fled into surrounding mountainous areas during the operation, while others surrendered.
Authorities did not provide details on arrests or whether all militants involved had been captured.
A local youth leader and a senator from Borno State separately confirmed the release of the abductees, although they said the group included more than 400 people.
Boko Haram had reportedly demanded millions of Nigerian naira in ransom payments for the captives.
The rescue comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with a prolonged security crisis, particularly in the northeast, where Boko Haram and other armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and insurgent operations for more than a decade.
The military has intensified efforts against Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Last month, Nigerian authorities said a joint operation with the United States killed 175 ISWAP fighters.
The insurgency and related violence have killed thousands of people and displaced millions across northeastern Nigeria.
Despite ongoing military operations, security analysts have continued to raise concerns about the scale of the threat and the challenges facing efforts to protect vulnerable communities.