Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), a joint force in the North-east, have “rescued” 92 civilians kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The spokesperson for the joint task force, Sani Uba, a lieutenant colonel, disclosed this in a statement. He said the rescue operation was carried out on Saturday after troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion stationed at Dutse Kura detected terrorists herding the civilians and vehicles into the bush at about 11:22 a.m.
The operation, Mr Uba said, was aided by surveillance systems.
Following the detection, Mr Uba said: “The unit’s Quick Reaction Force was immediately mobilised, while reinforcement troops from 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were simultaneously activated to join the rescue.”
The troops pursued the terrorists towards the Mangari-Dora area, where they engaged the fleeing insurgents in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their captives and escape, Mr Uba said.
