Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a possible abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
Akelicious gathered from reliable military sources that the corps members comprising 36 males and 38 females were rescued around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their convoy broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.
According to the sources, a military patrol team was swiftly deployed to the area after troops monitoring a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system detected suspicious movement involving three buses around the location.
On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area,” one of the sources said.
It was further revealed that the corps members were earlier escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of the 7 Division Garrison. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly failed to notify Sector 2 Headquarters before continuing their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without an armed escort.
The rescued corps members have since been moved to the Buratai military base, where they are being lodged pending further arrangements for their safe onward movement.
The rescue operation highlights the continued vigilance of the Nigerian military in countering terrorism and safeguarding civilian lives, especially in volatile areas of the North East.
