Troops Rescue Four Persons Held by Terrorists for Three Years in Kukawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four civilians, including two women and two male minors, who were allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and held for about three years in a terrorist camp in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were rescued at about 6:00 a.m. on Aug. 21 during a search-and-rescue operation conducted by troops of 123 Special Forces Battalion (Mobile) following credible human intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorist escapees around Kauwa village.
The operation was led by the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lt. Col. E.E. Ukhun.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescued civilians comprised two women, one male teenager and one male minor.
During preliminary debriefing, the victims reportedly told the troops that they were abducted by terrorists from Mafa Local Government Area about three years ago and taken to the Dogon Chuku terrorist camp, where they remained until their rescue.
The rescued persons were provided with food and subsequently profiled by the troops.
They are currently receiving medical attention at the 19 Brigade Medical Centre before being moved to the Theatre Headquarters for further interrogation and necessary assistance.
The rescue is part of sustained search-and-rescue and clearance operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and the Multinational Joint Task Force to locate civilians held in terrorist enclaves and dismantle insurgent networks around the Lake Chad Basin.
The latest operation also highlights the continued efforts by troops to exploit intelligence on movements around terrorist-held areas and rescue persons who have remained in captivity for prolonged periods.
Security sources said the rescued civilians would undergo further screening and debriefing to establish additional details about their captivity and the terrorist activities in the area.
