Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 74 stranded members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Media Information officer, Sani Uba, said, the incident occurred at about 9:05 pm on Tuesday when the corps members’ vehicles broke down near a forested area known as Borko Haram crossing point.
Vigilant troops detected unusual movement involving three buses through a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system and immediately deployed a patrol team to the location.
On arrival, the troops discovered 74 corps members, comprising 36 males and 38 females, stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults.
Acting promptly, the troops secured the area and successfully rescued all the corps members, preventing a potential abduction attempt by terrorists operating along the route.
Preliminary findings revealed that the corps members had earlier been escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of the 7 Division Garrison.
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 from security agencies.
The rescued corps members have been safely evacuated and are currently accommodated at the Buratai Military Base pending further arrangements for their safe movement to their destinations.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens.
“We will continue to maintain a strong security presence across operational theaters to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure lasting peace in the North East,” the statement noted.
Members of the public are urged to continue cooperating with troops who are tirelessly engaged in protecting communities.
