Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, successfully rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Borno State from a possible abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
The corps members, 36 males and 38 females, became stranded late on Tuesday night after their three buses developed mechanical faults along the Buratai-Kamuya road, a known kidnapping hotspot. The timely intervention was facilitated by a CCTV system monitored by military personnel, which detected the suspicious movement of the vehicles.
The rescue, which occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday, averted what security sources described as a likely mass abduction attempt by insurgents operating in the area. The crucial element of the operation was the military’s CCTV surveillance system, which alerted a patrol team to the stranded vehicles.
The NYSC members were on an evangelical mission to Hawul Local Government Area. They had previously been escorted by troops from Maiduguri to Damaturu. However, a lapse procedure occurred when they reportedly proceeded with their journey to the highly volatile Hawul LGA without notifying Sector 2 Headquarters or obtaining an armed escort for the remainder of the trip, despite the known risks on that route.
The successful rescue operation adds to the series of victories for Operation Hadin Kai. Just days prior, the same troops rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP collaborators (logistics suppliers) within the same operational corridor, in Borno State.
The rescued corps members are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base, where arrangements are being finalized for their safe and proper movement.
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