Troops Rescue ‘119 Kidnap Victims, Recover Eight Vehicles’ in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army reportedly rescued 119 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after confronting terrorists who blocked a major road in Borno state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, said the rescued persons included women, children and travellers.

Makama said the operation was conducted on Friday by troops of 135 special forces battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, who were conducting surveillance along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road.

It said troops sighted the terrorists blocking the road and abducting civilians alongside their vehicles.

It said the action prompted the mobilisation of the battalion’s special forces quick reaction force and another QRF team from 27 Task Force Brigade headquarters.

Makama said the teams moved through the Mangari–Dora route, pursued, engaged the terrorists, and forced them to abandon the abducted civilians and vehicles in confusion.

It said the operation led to the rescue of the civilians comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children, while eight vehicles were also recovered.

The rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their families.

The publication said the troops discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Bam Buratai junction–Bula Zarma general area during the withdrawal.

It said the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team marked and secured the location for safe disposal of the device.