Army Rescues 119 Abducted Travellers After Terrorists’ Attack On Borno Highway

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 119 people, including women and children, have been rescued by Nigerian Army troops after terrorists reportedly intercepted travellers and seized their vehicles along a road in Borno State.

The operation, which also led to the recovery of 8 vehicles, was carried out on Friday by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under the 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2.

According to security publication Zagazola Makama, the soldiers were conducting surveillance along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya route when they discovered that armed men had blocked the road and were abducting civilians.

The military personnel subsequently mobilised a special forces quick reaction team, alongside another response unit from the 27 Task Force Brigade headquarters, to pursue the attackers.

The troops reportedly advanced through the Mangari–Dora route and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives and vehicles.

A breakdown of the rescued victims showed that 69 were men, 35 were women and 15 were children. They were later reunited with their families.

However, the operation also uncovered a potential explosive threat in the area.

During their withdrawal, the troops reportedly discovered an improvised explosive device around the Bam Buratai junction–Bula Zarma general area.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team subsequently secured and marked the location to enable the safe removal of the device.

The development comes amid continuing security operations against armed groups in parts of Borno State.