Troops rescue 157 civilians, foil ISWAP abduction in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued no fewer than 157 civilians abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 30 at about 2:50 p.m. when troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Echo 1, Dutse Kura, came under attack while on escort duty.

During the engagement, it was discovered that the terrorists had kidnapped about 17 vehicles conveying an estimated 157 civilians and were moving them into the bush along the route.

“Own troops immediately deployed to the location and successfully engaged the terrorists, repelling the attack and forcing them to flee towards Mangari axis.

The troops pursued the fleeing insurgents into the bush, compelling them to abandon the abducted vehicles and all the victims.

However, during the pursuit, the QRF team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Bula Zarma–Mangari general area.

One soldier sustained severe injuries from the explosion and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Biu for expert treatment.

The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, were moved to Buratai town for onward transportation to their respective destinations for reunification with their families.

Military sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area, while the security situation remains unpredictable.