Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from what security sources described as a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
In a publication via his 𝕏 on Thursday, November 13, renowned counterinsurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, reported that the corps members were rescued around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a notorious kidnapping zone.
According to Makama, troops were dispatched after a CCTV system monitored by the military flagged unusual activity involving three buses at the location.
He said, “On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area.”
Naijaonpoint understands that the rescued corps members were 36 males and 38 females.
Further investigation revealed that the corps members had earlier travelled from Maiduguri to Damaturu under armed escort provided by the 7 Division Garrison.
However, after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without informing Sector 2 Headquarters, thereby missing the mandatory military escort for the dangerous route.
Makama noted, “It was also gathered that the corps members were on an evangelical mission to Hawul when the incident occurred.”
After the rescue, the corps members were taken to the Buratai military base, where they are currently being housed pending fresh arrangements for their safe movement.
Security operatives have since intensified surveillance along the route, which has witnessed several ambush attempts by insurgents in recent months.
The incident has reignited debates over safe travel protocols for NYSC members in the North-East, especially when travelling outside designated escort arrangements.
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