Fifty-nine persons held by Boko Haram freed by Nigerian army

The Nigerian army has set free another 59 persons held by Boko Haram, among them are 29 women, 25 children and five elderly men, amid an ongoing offensive against the Islamist group in the country's restive northeast.

Army spokesperson Tukur Gusau said the hostages were freed when the military stormed two jihadist camps in the Konduga district of Borno.

One of the hostages, Mallam Modu Goni, said a large number of militants had abducted them and forced to go several days without food.

NEWS24