Thirty-five fishermen kidnapped by Boko Haram militants have been freed after a ransom payment of FCFA 2.7 million.

The hostages were seized during fishing operations in the Far North region, near the border with Nigeria. According to initial accounts from the released fishermen, they were held in harsh conditions on one of the many islands scattered across Lake Chad.

The ransom demand was settled through negotiations involving local authorities and community leaders, who facilitated the payment to secure the captives’ release.

This incident highlights a disturbing trend in the region, where extremist groups increasingly resort to kidnappings for ransom to fund their operations and sustain their influence.