Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from possible abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno.
According to Zagazola Makama, the counter-insurgency publication, the corps members — 36 males and 38 females — were rescued at about 9:05pm on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a notorious kidnapping hotspot.
The publication said a military patrol team was swiftly deployed after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by troops detected suspicious movement involving three buses at the location.
“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults,” the report reads.
“The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area.”
Zagazola said the corps members were initially escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of the 7 Division Garrison, adding that after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly failed to inform Sector 2 headquarters before continuing their journey to Hawul LGA without an armed escort.
The publication said the rescued NYSC members are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base pending further arrangements for their safe movement.
Last year, gunmen abducted one Chiamaka Obi, an NYSC member, along Niger-Onitsha expressway in Niger state.
Obi, who hails from Edenta in Okwu Etiti, Orsu LGA of Imo state, was said to have been kidnapped while returning from Kebbi state at the end of her service year.