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 and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Borno State.
The Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Sani Uba, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to Uba, the incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday when the corps members, travelling in three buses, encountered mechanical problems that left them stranded in a known kidnapping hotspot.
He said the troops were swiftly deployed to the location after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by military personnel detected suspicious movement in the area.
“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members — 36 males and 38 females — 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,” the statement read in part.
Uba added that the rescued corps members were safely evacuated and are currently being sheltered at the Buratai military base pending further arrangements for their safe transportation.
He assured the public that security forces remain on high alert and continue to monitor the route to prevent similar incidents.
The Buratai–Kamuya axis has been identified as one of the areas frequently targeted by insurgents for ambushes and kidnappings. The swift response by the JTF is seen as part of ongoing military efforts to strengthen security and protect civilians across the North-East region.
