The Nigerian Army has rescued seven women and nine children from terrorist captivity in Borno State through a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations in collaboration with Vigilante and Hybrid Forces. This was disclosed in a statement posted on X.com on Friday.

By Aaior Comfort

In Gwoza Local Government Area, troops executed an ambush targeting terrorist staging areas around Pulka and Ashagashiya. During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists, killing one, while the others fled, leaving behind their belongings. The rescued individuals include seven women and nine children. The troops also recovered a submachine gun, three bicycles, four blankets, cooking utensils, and other items.

In another operation in the Komala area of Borno State, troops ambushed terrorists, resulting in the death of one terrorist and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with two magazines, 29 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, and 91 belted links of PKT ammunition. Additional items recovered included one submachine gun, two AK-47 rifles, one submachine gun magazine, nine rounds of 9 mm ammunition, and one motorbike.

Separately, in Benue State, troops responded to intelligence reports about terrorist movements in Ayati Village, Ukum Local Government Area. The terrorists fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning one AK-47 rifle, one Dane gun, two 83 mm launchers, four locally made launchers, and one rifle magazine. The troops also seized 19 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) and five rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition, along with other assorted arms.

In another successful operation in Kogi State, the Army thwarted a planned ransom payment to kidnappers. Troops, in collaboration with vigilantes and local hunters, engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight at the planned exchange point in the Okunran Okoloke General Area. One kidnapper was killed, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 15 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition and one motorcycle were recovered.