Troops from the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 74 stranded members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:05 pm on Tuesday when the vehicles carrying the corps members broke down in a forested area known as the Borko Haram crossing point. The alert troops, upon detecting unusual movement involving three buses through a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system, swiftly dispatched a heavy patrol team to the location.
Upon their arrival, the troops found 74 corps members, consisting of 36 males and 38 females, stranded after their vehicles suffered mechanical failures. Acting decisively, the troops secured the area and successfully rescued all the corps members, thereby preventing a potential abduction attempt by terrorists operating in the vicinity.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the corps members had previously been escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops from the 7 Division Garrison. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without informing Sector 2 Headquarters or obtaining an armed escort from the security agencies.
The rescued corps members have been safely evacuated and are currently being accommodated at the Buratai Military Base while arrangements are made for their safe transport to their destinations.
The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens and will continue to maintain a strong security presence across operational areas to deny terrorists the freedom to act and ensure lasting peace in the North East. Members of the public are kindly urged to continue collaborating and cooperating with the troops who are tirelessly engaged in their protection.
