0
0
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued a serving councillor and an Islamic scholar who were abducted by terrorists along the Buni Gari–Buratai road in Borno State, following a swift search-and-rescue operation.
The rescue was carried out by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with the 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The operation was launched at about 7:35 a.m. on Wednesday, after seven civilians were kidnapped at around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday along the Buni Gari–Buratai axis.
A security source said that at about 11:35 a.m. on Wednesday, troops discovered two of the kidnapped victims, who had been abandoned by the terrorists upon hearing the movement of troops towards their location near Mangari village.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a serving councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam, Borno State.
The troops immediately secured the victims and pursued the fleeing terrorists for about 5.4 kilometres, but no contact was made.
According to the rescued victims, five other civilians are still being held captive, including the former and current Vice Chairmen of Biu Local Government Area, as well as three women.
“The effort to rescue the remaining five civilians is ongoing,” the source added.
The rescued victims were initially taken to a medical reception station for treatment before being moved to Biu, where they were reunited with their families.
