Troops from the Joint Task Force (JTF) of North East Operation Hadin Kai rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a potential abduction by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
According to reliable sources, the corps members—36 males and 38 females—were rescued around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.
The sources reported that a military patrol team was swiftly deployed to the scene after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by troops detected suspicious activity involving three buses in the area.
Upon arrival, the troops found the 74 NYSC members stranded due to mechanical issues with their vehicles. They promptly rescued the corps members to prevent a possible abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP operatives active in the region.
Further information revealed that the corps members had been escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops from the 7 Division Garrison. However, after reaching Damaturu, they failed to notify Sector 2 Headquarters before continuing their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without an armed escort.
The rescued NYSC members are currently being housed at the Buratai military base while arrangements are made for their safe transportation.
In a related development, troops from Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the police, successfully thwarted an attempted abduction by armed bandits along the Kogogo–Rijiya–Rabah road in the Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources confirmed that the incident occurred on August 26 at approximately 9:30 p.m. A large group of armed bandits, equipped with sophisticated weapons, blocked the highway with the intention of abducting travellers and local villagers.
In response, troops from Operation FANSAN YANMA have initiated a follow-up clearance operation in the area to pursue the fleeing bandits. The sources have urged residents to remain calm and to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing counter-banditry efforts.
“On receipt of the distress call, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA’s Army Forward Operating Base and the police were swiftly deployed to the scene.#
“The joint forces engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, which lasted for hours, forcing the criminals to retreat with casualties.
“No villager was abducted and no injury was recorded among the residents or the security personnel,” said the sources.
It would be recalled that (OPHK) rescued no fewer than 86 kidnapped victims, comprising men, women and children, while thwarting a terrorist ambush in the Dutse Kura area of Borno State.
Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-east, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, revealed in a statement that 29 terrorist logistics suppliers were also apprehended during the operation.
The statement read: “Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded another major success in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
