Military Rescues 54 Kidnapped Women, Children in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army on Monday rescued 54 women and children held captive by terrorist group, Boko Haram, in Borno State.

The suspected kidnap victims were set free by troops of 22 Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole, during a clearance operation in Ma’allasuwa and Yaga-Munye villages in the state.

This is coming as troops arrested a mobile policeman in Maiduguri for possessing an unusual number of weapons. The Police Sergeant was in possession of two magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 mm, special ammunition and one round of anti-aircraft gun concealed in his bag while on transit to Lagos State where troops of 145 Battalion operating in Zari-Kasake and Jumachere villages destroyed logistic vehicles belonging to the insurgents.

An army statement said 29 women and 25 children of various ages and sexes earlier kidnapped by the insurgents were abandoned as troops approached the place.

The statement signed by Army Spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, said: “Troops of 22 Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole, in collaboration with local vigilantes have continued to move into the hinterland on clearance operation to destroy Boko Haram terrorists.

“Consequently, troops effectively cleared Ma'allasuwa and Yaga-Munye villages in Borno State. No encounter with Boko Haram terrorists was made as they ran away before troops' arrival, leaving behind 54 suspected kidnapped victims. Out of the number, 29 are grown up women and 25 are children of various ages and sexes. They have all been rescued.”

He said troops “at Zari -Kasake and Jumachere villages in Damasak general area of Mobbar Local Government Area of the state, 145 Battalion Operation Lafiya Dole, on clearance operation, discovered and destroyed two Boko Haram terrorists' logistics vehicles and deserted make up shift accommodation.

“Additionally, Mopol Sergeant Markus John with Personal Number (PNo) 383106 was arrested at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri-Damaturu road in possession of two magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition and one round of anti-aircraft gun concealed in his bag while on transit to Lagos State.

“Also, on May 10, 2019, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in conjunction with the Nigerian Police arrested 14NA7113208 Private Paul Ojochegbe and 12NA672586 Lance Corporal Oko Eke in possession of one disassembled AK 47 rifle at the same N'jimtilo check point.”

The statement stated further that “the Nigerian Army will remain resolute in ending terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the country, and reiterate its appeal to the public to continue to provide useful information on suspicious movement of terrorists/criminals wherever they are seen hibernating in Nigeria.”