Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were stranded and at risk of being kidnapped by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Borno State.
The Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Sani Uba, confirmed the rescue in a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Thursday.
According to Uba, the corps members, 36 males and 38 females, were rescued around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near an area known for frequent kidnappings.
He explained that the rescue operation was launched after a military CCTV system detected suspicious movement involving three buses in the area.
“On arrival, troops found 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a possible abduction by Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists,” Uba said.
The rescued corps members are currently being sheltered at the Buratai military base, where arrangements are being made for their safe transportation.
This successful operation comes just days after the Task Force rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during coordinated missions across Borno State.
Earlier, Uba reported that troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai engaged Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists on November 9 near Dutse Kura.
The troops intercepted the insurgents as they were attempting to abduct civilians and hijack vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.
“The troops overpowered the terrorists and forced them to flee after a fierce battle near Mangari. A search of the area led to the destruction of 11 terrorist camps and the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims, including men, women, and children,” Uba added.
Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, five magazines loaded with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. The troops later destroyed the terrorists’ camp during clearance operations.
