Troops Rescue 78 Abducted Victims, Kill Five Terrorists In Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have executed no fewer than five terrorists during clearance operations in Borno State.

The clearance operations by the Combat Team on Friday resulted in the rescue of 78 kidnapped victims, comprising 35 women and 43 children.

The troops successfully cleared six villages where the terrorists were operating.

The villages cleared are Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, Bula Dalo extension, Yamanci, and Gargaji, all in Borno State.

A statement on Saturday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the feat was achieved after a fierce gun battle with the terrorists.

The statement read, “Troops of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army have continued to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province and their JAS counterpart in North East Nigeria.

“In an aggressive clearance patrol conducted on Friday, March 22, 2024, by a Combat Team of the Division, troops successfully cleared six villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.

“During the operation, the CT came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating five of the terrorists. The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children, held hostage by the terrorists.

“The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension. Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas. Items recovered are one terrorist’s flag and a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists. The rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.

“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operations Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgents.”