The release of the 35 fishermen took place during the night between Sunday, June 28, and Monday, June 29, 2026.
A group of 35 fishermen, who had been held in captivity for several days, has finally been set free by members of the Boko Haram insurgent group. Their return to safety brings a sense of relief to the Far North region after a period of intense anxiety.
The freedom of these individuals was secured through the payment of a substantial ransom. To facilitate the release of the 35 hostages, their families and representatives had to provide a total sum of 2.7 million FCFA. This financial transaction was the primary condition imposed by the militants for the group’s safe handover.
In their initial testimonies following their release, the 35 fishermen recounted being held in the Filin Bado sector. This area is one of the numerous islands located within the Lake Chad basin, often used as a hideout by armed factions.
This latest incident highlights a growing and dangerous trend in the region, where terrorist groups and bandits increasingly use mass kidnappings as a means to extract financial gains through ransom demands.