Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have foiled an attempted kidnap by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, said troops rescued 150 victims in the operation.
“All rescued civilians, estimated at over 150, were safely recovered and moved to Buratai for onward movement to reunite with their families,” Uba said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He said the victims, comprising men, women, and children, were about to be forced into about 17 vehicles before troops came in contact with the terrorists.
Uba said the incident occurred on March 30 when troops came under attack while escorting civilians along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in the Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
“While decisively engaging the terrorists, surveillance assets identified the insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of civilians, comprising men, women, and children, in about 17 vehicles into the bush,” his statement read.
But in a swift and coordinated response, the Quick Reaction Force rapidly reinforced the location, repelled the attack, and immediately launched a pursuit towards the Mangari area.
“The aggressive pressure exerted by troops forced the terrorists to abandon all abducted civilians and vehicles, effectively thwarting the mass kidnapping attempt,” he said.
While five troops sustained severe injuries and were receiving treatment in the hospital, Uba said the military personnel encountered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma-Mangari axis.
Credit: channelstv.com
