Army rescues seven women, nine children in Borno

The troops of the Nigerian Army in Borno State have rescued seven women and nine children snatched from their homes by terrorists.

The victims were rescued in a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations conducted by troops in collaboration with the Vigilante and Hybrid Force.

In a statement posted on X.com on Friday, the Army said one terrorist was killed and arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

The statement partly read, “In Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, troops executed an ambush operation targeting terrorists’ staging areas around Pulka and Ashagashiya. During the operations, troops made contact with the terrorists, neutralizing one, while others fled in disarray, abandoning their belongings.

“The troops successfully rescued seven women and nine children from the clutches of the terrorists. The troops also recovered one submachine gun, three bicycles, four blankets, cooking utensils, and several other items.”

Also, the Army said troops ambushed terrorists in the Komala area of Borno State, adding that one terrorist was killed during the ambush, and several weapons were recovered.

“Similarly, troops conducted an ambush operation in the Komala general area of Borno State. The operations resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with two magazines containing 29 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition and 91 belted links of PKT ammunition.

“Additional items recovered include one SMG, two AK-47 rifles, one SMG magazine, nine rounds of 9 mm ammunition, and one motorbike.”

The Army noted that In a separate operation in Benue State, troops, in response to intelligence reports about terrorists’ movements in Ayati Village, Ukum LGA, launched a swift operation to stop the nefarious activities of the terrorists.

The statement added, “The terrorists, upon sighting the troops, fled, 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 and other assorted arms.”

The Army also stated that troops halted the payment of ransom to kidnappers in Kogi State.

It added that its troops, in collaboration with hunters, engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and killed one of them.

“In another successful operation in Kogi State, troops responded to information regarding a planned ransom payment to kidnappers. Coordinating with vigilantes and local hunters, the troops engaged the kidnappers at the planned exchange point in Okunran Okoloke General Area.

“During the encounter, one kidnapper was neutralized, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 15 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition and one motorcycle were recovered,” the statement added.