By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a possible abduction by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the corps members’ vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot. The rescue operation took place around 9:05 p.m. after troops were alerted through a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system monitored by military personnel.
According to security sources, the CCTV detected unusual movement involving three buses in the area, prompting the immediate deployment of a 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 said.
The corps members had earlier been escorted by troops of the 7 Division Garrison from Maiduguri to Damaturu. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without notifying Sector 2 Headquarters or obtaining an armed escort.
It was further gathered that the group was on an evangelical mission to Hawul when the incident occurred.
The rescued NYSC members are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base, where arrangements are underway for their safe onward movement.
The rescue comes just days after the same troops freed 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram collaborators within the same operational corridor.
