Release of 35 fishermen occurred on the night of 28 to 29 June 2026.

The fishermen had been kidnapped by members of the Islamist sect Boko Haram and held for several days.

Their freedom was secured after a ransom of 2.7 million FCFA was paid by their families.

According to initial testimonies, the hostages were held in the Filin Bado area, one of the many islands in Lake Chad.

With ransom demands becoming a common tactic, armed groups and terrorists are increasingly resorting to abductions.