Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians abducted by terrorists and recovered eight vehicles during an operation in Borno State.According to an operational report made available to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, the action was carried out by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion.

While monitoring surveillance cameras along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road, the soldiers spotted terrorists blocking the route and abducting travellers along with their vehicles.The troops mobilised through the Mangari–Dora axis in Biu Local Government Area, engaged the terrorists, and forced them to abandon the captives and flee in disarray.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 119 people, comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children and the recovery of the eight vehicles. The victims were later reunited with their families.During the withdrawal, the troops also discovered and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Bam-Buratai Junction–Bulazarma general area.

In a related development, a suspected fighter of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion at Ngurusoye Village in Bama Local Government Area. The individual reportedly fled his group’s enclave in Bula Daloye after clashes with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and due to hardship. He handed over an FN rifle and seven rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and is currently in military custody.