By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians, including 35 women and 15 children, after confronting Boko Haram terrorists who had blocked a major road and abducted motorists in Borno State.
The operation, carried out on Friday, also led to the recovery of eight vehicles abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
The rescue was conducted by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, during a surveillance mission along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road.
A military source said the troops sighted terrorists blocking the route and abducting motorists along with their vehicles.
Following the discovery, the battalion immediately deployed its Special Forces Quick Reaction Force (QRF), supported by another QRF team from the 27 Task Force Brigade Headquarters.
The troops advanced through the Mangari–Dora route in pursuit of the insurgents, engaging them in a confrontation that forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee with their operation disrupted.
According to the source, the rescued victims comprised 69 men, 35 women and 15 children. Eight vehicles were also recovered during the operation.
The civilians were subsequently reunited with their respective families.
However, the operation also highlighted the continuing danger posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East.
The military source disclosed that troops discovered an IED around the Bam Buratai Junction–Bula Zarma general area while withdrawing from the operation.
The discovery underscores the persistent security risks facing motorists and other road users in Borno State, where insurgents continue to threaten civilian movements and military operations.
Source: Military source.
