Troops rescue 74 NYSC members from possible abduction in Borno

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/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 notorious kidnapping hotspot. The rescue took place around 9:05 p.m., following quick intervention by troops who were alerted through a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system monitored by military personnel.

According to security sources, the CCTV detected suspicious 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 confirmed.

The corps members were said to have 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 corps members were 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 being made for their safe onward movement.

This development comes just days after the same troops rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram collaborators within the same operational corridor.