Army Rescues 119 Abducted Civilians, Recovers Eight Vehicles in Borno
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians, including women and children, and recovered eight vehicles following an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists along a major road in Borno State.
The rescue operation was conducted on Friday by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, during a surveillance mission along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road.
A military source, who confirmed the operation, said the troops sighted terrorists blocking the road and abducting motorists alongside their vehicles.
According to the source, the development prompted the immediate deployment of the battalion’s Special Forces Quick Reaction Force (QRF), supported by another QRF team from the 27 Task Force Brigade Headquarters.
The military teams subsequently advanced through the Mangari–Dora route in pursuit of the fleeing insurgents, engaging them in an encounter that forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and the vehicles.
The source disclosed that the operation resulted in the rescue of 119 civilians, comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children, as well as the recovery of eight vehicles.
The rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their respective families.
The source added that troops discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Bam Buratai Junction–Bula Zarma general area while withdrawing from the operation.
The discovery underscores the persistent threat posed by explosive devices along major routes in the North-East, where insurgents continue to target civilian movements and security operations.