The Borno State Police Command on Tuesday said it has reunited two minors, Ayuba Ishaku and Yakubu Haruna, 13, abducted by Boko Haram four years ago, with their families.
A statement by the spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the victims, along with other women and children, were abducted in Mandaragrau village, Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The statement revealed that the two boys escaped on the night of July 8, 2025, when most of the terrorists left the camp where the boys and others were kept before leaving for an operation.
It reads, “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 statement also quoted the boys as saying during interrogation that they were abducted during an attack in their village.
“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,” the statement stated.
