Nigerian troops under the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a suspected Boko Haram or ISWAP abduction attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
The incident took place on Tuesday night after the corps members’ vehicles broke down near a location notorious for kidnapping activities.
The rescue occurred around 9:05 p.m. following swift intervention by troops who were alerted through a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system monitored by military personnel.
According to security sources who spoke to Vanguard, the CCTV picked up suspicious activity involving three buses in the area, leading to the rapid deployment of a military patrol team.
“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members — 36 males and 38 females — stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. They were swiftly rescued to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area,” a military source confirmed.
The corps members were earlier escorted by troops of the 7 Division Garrison from Maiduguri to Damaturu.
However, upon reaching Damaturu, they reportedly continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without informing Sector 2 Headquarters or obtaining an armed escort.
It was also gathered that the corps members were on an evangelical mission to Hawul when the incident occurred.
The rescued NYSC members are currently being housed at the Buratai military base, where arrangements are being made for their safe onward journey.
This rescue comes just days after the same troops freed 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram collaborators within the same operational corridor.
Recovered items during the operation included an AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles.
